snakes in the lakes???? (bill, tree, fishing)

[CravenClan]

Ok, so like when we go to the lake (in AZ) we day camp, out on a shore of sand, we set up our stuff and the kids play in the sand and water all day...So it doesn't sound like that is much of an option?? When we went by Hubbard, we only saw grass areas. Also if there are only grass areas, does that mean chiggers and red ants? If so it sounds like more risk that enjoyment, between bugs, ants and now snakes.....

[loves2read]

I did not read the other pages of posts but just happened to get an email today from my husband who got it from someone in his office that applies to this thread...
the person from his office said they found a snake at the lake the last time they were there and was forwarding a video someone made/posted of a fishing trip to Falcon Lake--SW part of TX by Zapata TX across border from Mexico--most of the reservoir is in Mexico--it covers about 23K acres...and there is a state park there along with other stuff

so that is not near us AT ALL--not saying this is what you have when you go out on lakes in this area
BUT it is something to be aware of ---
notice that this snake is swiming in open water--at least it does not look brushy or close to the banks--
but probably where people could reasonably be expected to be skiing or jet-skiing...

also note how well the snake can float and make a strike coil--I would assume that it could strike for a shorter distance in the water than on land but a snake can normally strike for half or a little more of its length--3 ft snake strikes 18 inches----5 ft snake 2.5 ft---or so I was told...

it is easy to see this is poisonous snake from the triangle, broad head--
supposedly NON-poisonous snakes have difficulty keeping their heads above water and can't float--

anyway here is the video link --notice that the dad does a 180 attitude change during the video while the son is leery from the get go...I am with the son...
and I really wonder how the encounter ended since it is not shown on video...

BassFan.com

[TXNGL]

Thanks a lot Loves2Read! I'm sitting here with my feet up in the chair! Seriously, rattle snakes swim??? I've never seen anything like that!

[renlouis]

loves2read - I'm with the son too. That dad is a fool. How about a little respect for nature. They're lucky if they didn't get bit!

[superkaty]

and for the most part, don't the poisonous snakes swim on top of the water?? so they are easily visable? or at least that is what i have always been told.

[Stropes]

You are kidding, right? There are snakes in all lakes. There are even fish in some of them! If you can't stand the idea of wildlife, stay inside.

[Rakin]

Originally Posted by Stropes

You are kidding, right? There are snakes in all lakes. There are even fish in some of them! If you can't stand the idea of wildlife, stay inside.

I don't think you've heard about the law we passed back in 1996. Texas outlawed any biting snakes, fish and alligators from our Texas lakes.

They had a large roundup in 1997 if I recall and took all the snakes to swamps in Louisiana. If you want to own a snake nowadays it has to have it's shots & be neutered. Anytime you take it out it has to be on a leash.

Trust me.

[002]

What do you do to prevent snakes from entering your house & yard?!?!?!?
My worst nightmare would be to face one lying somewhere in my property...

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by Rakin

I don't think you've heard about the law we passed back in 1996. Texas outlawed any biting snakes, fish and alligators from our Texas lakes.

They had a large roundup in 1997 if I recall and took all the snakes to swamps in Louisiana. If you want to own a snake nowadays it has to have it's shots & be neutered. Anytime you take it out it has to be on a leash.

Trust me.

I sure do remember. I'm betting the only reason we have them now is all of the transplants brought them in unknowingly or knowingly.

Originally Posted by 002

What do you do to prevent snakes from entering your house & yard?!?!?!?
My worst nightmare would be to face one lying somewhere in my property...

There is this stuff called Snake Away (really is) that you can get at a feed store. You put it out around the perimeter of your property. Thing is you have to make sure there are NO snakes already INSIDE that perimeter or else you have trapped them ON YOUR PROPERTY! Therefore, the whole entire bag of the stuff I bought is still unopened sitting in the garage. Haven't had any snakes and if there is one hiding somewhere in my yard I sure as don't want to trap it in my yard.

[txgolfer130]

Snake Away doesn't really work, and is basically a specific type of snake repellent. If you read the back it doesn't work on rattlesnakes, copper heads, water mocassin's (which is the OP's worry), and a few others.

A 20-gauge and some #4 will do just fine for the bigger and more dangerous ones. Just don't aim at your foundation.