Yes, there are snakes in the Lake Superior region. Although the lake is known for its cold water and northern climate, several snake species are found along its shoreline and in the surrounding landscapes.
Lake Superior stretches across a vast area of northern North America, with a shoreline that includes forests, rocky coast, wetlands, beaches, and other natural habitats. These environments support a variety of wildlife, including several species of snakes.
Snakes are not a major part of the lake’s open-water environment, and seeing one while visiting Lake Superior is not a common experience for most people. However, they are a natural part of the ecosystems surrounding the lake.
This article looks at the snake species associated with Lake Superior, where they are found, and whether any of them pose a danger to people.
Table of Contents
Quick Reference: Snakes Around Lake Superior
| Snake | Approx. Adult Size | Typical Habitat | Status at Pictured Rocks | Venomous? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Garter Snake | 18–30 in | Forest edges, grasslands, shoreline vegetation | Confirmed | No |
| Northern Red-bellied Snake | 8–16 in | Forest floor, leaf litter, rocky areas | Confirmed | No |
| Smooth Green Snake | 14–20 in | Fields, grassy areas, wetland edges | Confirmed | No |
| Northern Water Snake | 24–55 in | Streams, rocky inlets, shallow bays | Likely | No |
| Western Fox Snake | 3–5 ft | Wetlands, open shoreline, coastal areas | Likely | No |
| Northern Ring-necked Snake | 10–15 in | Forests, woodland floor, rocky habitats | Likely | No |
Sizes are approximate adult ranges and can vary by individual. “Confirmed” and “Likely” refer specifically to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, not the entire Lake Superior basin.
Where Do Snakes Live Around Lake Superior?
Snakes around Lake Superior are primarily associated with the land and shallow-water habitats surrounding the lake, rather than its deep offshore waters. The northern shoreline provides a variety of environments where different species can find food, shelter, and suitable places to regulate their body temperature.
Forested areas, rocky shorelines, grasslands, wetlands, and areas of dense vegetation can all provide suitable snake habitat. Some species are more closely associated with moist environments, while others spend most of their time on the forest floor or in open areas.
Their distribution also varies around the lake. Conditions along the shoreline are not uniform, so a snake found near a wetland or forested section of the coast may not be present in a more exposed rocky area.
For visitors, this means snakes are more likely to be encountered on land or near the water’s edge than in the open waters of Lake Superior.
What Types of Snakes Are Found Around Lake Superior?
Several snake species are associated with the Lake Superior region. They differ considerably in size, appearance, and habitat, with some more closely connected to shorelines and wetlands and others primarily using forests, grasslands, and other terrestrial habitats.
The species below are those documented or considered likely to occur around parts of the Lake Superior shoreline and its nearby natural habitats. Their presence can vary by location, so not every species will be encountered throughout the entire Lake Superior region.
Eastern Garter Snake
The Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) is one of the most commonly encountered snakes around the Lake Superior region. It is adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats, including forest edges, grasslands, shoreline vegetation, and other areas with suitable cover.
Adults typically measure about 18 to 30 inches (46 to 76 cm) long, although some individuals can reach around 3 feet. They usually have a dark brown, black, or olive-green body with three lighter stripes running along the back and sides.
Around Lake Superior, Eastern Garter Snakes may be found moving through vegetation and forested areas near the shoreline. They feed on a variety of prey, including earthworms, frogs, toads, and small fish, depending on the habitat available.
They are non-venomous and generally avoid people. When threatened, they may release a strong-smelling musk and try to escape rather than confront a person.
Northern Red-bellied Snake
The Northern Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata) is a small, secretive snake confirmed at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along Lake Superior. It is named for the red, pink, or orange coloration on its belly, which contrasts with its generally grayish or brownish back.
Adults typically measure about 8 to 16 inches (20 to 41 cm) long. They spend much of their time hidden beneath logs, rocks, leaf litter, and other ground cover, making them easy to overlook even where they are present.
Around Lake Superior, they are associated mainly with forested and rocky habitats rather than open water. Their diet consists largely of soft-bodied prey such as slugs and earthworms, which they find among damp ground cover.
Northern Red-bellied Snakes are non-venomous and harmless to people. They are generally secretive and are more likely to hide or move away when disturbed than approach a person.
Smooth Green Snake
The Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis) is a small, slender snake confirmed at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along Lake Superior. Its bright green body and pale or yellowish belly make it one of the easiest snakes in the area to recognize.
Adults typically measure about 14 to 20 inches (36 to 51 cm) long. They are well adapted to grassy and vegetated habitats, where their green coloration helps them blend into their surroundings.
Around Lake Superior, Smooth Green Snakes may be found in fields, grassy areas, wetland edges, and vegetation near the shoreline. They feed mainly on insects and other small invertebrates, including spiders, caterpillars, and crickets.
They are non-venomous and generally docile. When disturbed, a Smooth Green Snake will usually try to move into nearby vegetation rather than confront a person.
Northern Water Snake
The Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) is a non-venomous snake that is likely to occur in parts of the Lake Superior region. It is closely associated with shallow aquatic habitats, rather than the lake’s deep, open waters.
Adults can grow to about 24 to 55 inches (61 to 140 cm) long. They have a relatively heavy body with brown, tan, or dark gray coloration and darker bands or blotches across the back.
Around Lake Superior, Northern Water Snakes may occur near slow-moving streams, rocky inlets, shallow bays, and other sheltered waters where suitable habitat and prey are available. They are strong swimmers and feed on fish, frogs, crayfish, and other small aquatic prey.
Although their appearance can be intimidating, Northern Water Snakes are not venomous. They may become defensive and bite if cornered or handled, but they generally try to escape into nearby water or cover when disturbed.
Western Fox Snake
The Western Fox Snake (Pantherophis ramspotti) is a large, non-venomous snake considered likely to occur in the Pictured Rocks area along Lake Superior. It is more closely associated with coastal and terrestrial habitats than with the lake’s open water.
Adults typically grow about 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters) long. They usually have a light tan or golden body marked with dark brown or black blotches, along with a reddish or orange-toned head.
In the Lake Superior region, Western Fox Snakes may occur in wetlands, open shoreline areas, and other coastal habitats where they can find shelter and prey. These habitats are part of the varied landscape surrounding the lake, which includes wetlands, forests, sandy areas, and shoreline environments.
When threatened, a Western Fox Snake may vibrate its tail against dry leaves or vegetation, producing a sound that can resemble a rattlesnake. Despite this defensive behavior, it is not venomous and poses little danger to people.
Northern Ring-necked Snake
The Northern Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii) is a small, secretive snake considered likely to occur at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along Lake Superior. It is much more likely to be found on land than in the lake’s open water.
Adults typically measure about 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 cm) long. They usually have a dark bluish-gray or black back with a distinctive light-colored ring around the neck and a yellowish or orange belly.
Around Lake Superior, these snakes can occur beneath rotting logs, rocks, leaf litter, and other forest debris, where they remain hidden for much of the day. Their secretive and often nocturnal behavior means visitors may rarely see them even where they are present.
Northern Ring-necked Snakes are non-venomous and generally harmless to people. When disturbed, they usually try to escape or remain hidden rather than confront humans.
Are There Venomous or Dangerous Snakes Around Lake Superior?
There are no venomous snakes associated with the immediate Lake Superior shoreline or Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The snakes documented or considered likely in these areas are non-venomous and generally pose little risk to visitors.
Most snakes around Lake Superior are shy and prefer to avoid people. Even species that may bite when handled or cornered generally use defensive behavior only when they feel threatened.
For visitors, a snake encounter is therefore usually a wildlife observation rather than a safety concern. The sensible approach is to keep your distance and avoid touching or provoking any snake you encounter.
Do Snakes Swim in Lake Superior?
Some snakes associated with Lake Superior can swim, particularly species that live in or near shallow streams, wetlands, rocky inlets, and sheltered shoreline areas. Swimming allows these snakes to move between nearby habitats, escape predators, and search for food.
The Northern Water Snake has the strongest connection to aquatic environments among the species discussed here. It is a capable swimmer and may enter shallow water while hunting fish, frogs, crayfish, and other prey.
However, snakes are not typical residents of the deep, cold, open waters of Lake Superior. Even water-associated species are generally found closer to shore or in connected waterways where conditions are more suitable.
For swimmers, encountering a snake in Lake Superior is therefore possible but uncommon, particularly compared with seeing snakes on the surrounding shoreline or in nearby habitats.