One Of America’s Most Snake-Infested Lakes Is Also One Of Its Most Popular Vacation Destinations

Lake Tahoe is thought for its crystal clear waters and exquisite mountain surroundings. Situated within the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe lies on the border between California and Nevada. The lake is without doubt one of the world’s purest our bodies of water; objects could also be seen in some areas at depths of greater than 70 ft. At 6,225 ft above sea stage and stretching 191.6 sq. miles, Lake Tahoe can also be the most important alpine lake in North America, solely surpassed by the 5 Nice Lakes by way of quantity.

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Lake Tahoe’s magnificence and number of out of doors recreation renders it as one of the widespread trip locations year-round. In the summertime, mountaineering, biking, swimming, kayaking, boating, and enjoyable on the seashores are widespread, whereas snowboarding and snowboarding within the Sierra Nevada Mountains entice winter sport fans. Based on the Tahoe Fund, about 15 million individuals go to Lake Tahoe annually.

Whereas Lake Tahoe is without doubt one of the hottest trip locations in the US, it’s also one of many nation’s most snake-infested lakes, just like Lake Mead, the deadliest U.S. national park that is home to four dangerous rattlesnake species. Practically a dozen snake species slither about Lake Tahoe, and whereas most are non-venomous and pose little to no risk to people, one species of rattlesnake has migrated into the world.

A number of Snake Species Roam Lake Tahoe

A number of snake species of various genera inhabit Lake Tahoe. Venomousness and swimming capability differ between species, with most being non-venomous swimmers. Solely the western rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) and one in every of its subspecies, the good basin rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus lutosus), are venomous. Garter snakes (Thamnophis) are mildly venomous, however their venom isn’t potent sufficient to hurt people, nor are their fangs massive sufficient to ship it. Different nonvenomous snake species in Lake Tahoe will not be inherently harmful and goal to keep away from people, though they will turn out to be aggressive when disturbed and ship painful bites.

Snake Species Present in Lake Tahoe

Regardless of not being water snakes, lots of the species are robust swimmers, and thus are more likely to be seen within the lake in addition to on land. Whereas it’s not unimaginable for rattlesnakes to chew when in water, they don’t behave as aggressively and are much less more likely to assault or defend themselves, as they aren’t within the correct place to strike. Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear waters are useful for recognizing snakes.

Essentially the most harmful snake in Lake Tahoe is the western rattlesnake, though it’s not as deadly because the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the deadliest snake in North America. Few snake-related incidents have occurred at Lake Tahoe, and none have resulted in any fatalities. In 2015, one South Lake Tahoe resident discovered a 3-to 4-foot-long western rattlesnake underneath his porch, however the reptile was safely eliminated and no accidents occurred. This was the primary sighting of a rattlesnake within the Lake Tahoe Basin. The presence of western rattlesnakes in Lake Tahoe has elevated during the last decade, as their vary has expanded to increased elevations attributable to local weather change.

Rattlesnake Presence Is Rising In Lake Tahoe

Western rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus)

Rising temperatures have induced rattlesnake sightings to turn out to be extra common alongside the Sierra Crest and into the Lake Tahoe Basin. Whereas the western rattlesnake is harmful, snake bites in the US are fairly uncommon, and few lead to fatalities. Out of the 7,000–8,000 people who find themselves bitten by venomous snakes in the US yearly, solely about 5 individuals die, per the CDC.

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Some venomous snake bites are with out envenomation. The U.S. Forest Service reports that about 25% of rattlesnake bites are “dry”, that means no venom was injected. These bites nonetheless require medical consideration, as anybody bitten by a snake ought to instantly search emergency medical providers. Snake bites with no envenomation contribute to the low demise price of rattlesnake bites; poison heart information reveals that one in 736 sufferers who are suffering a rattlesnake chew dies, per one study.

This isn’t to dismiss the risk that rattlesnakes pose. Snakes usually keep away from people and strike as a protection, however it’s essential to be cautious within the presence of snakes. Whereas one is statistically unlikely to be bitten, the elevated presence of snakes in Lake Tahoe means guests ought to hold their eyes open and keep a secure distance from wildlife.

How To Keep Secure From Snakes In Lake Tahoe

In case you are bitten by a snake, hold calm and instantly contact emergency medical providers. Identification of the snake is essential for therapy, as antivenom varies by species.

Whereas ready for EMS

When exploring Lake Tahoe, security precautions similar to carrying mountaineering boots, avoiding tall grass and thick underbrush, and watching your step will help keep away from snake encounters. Rattlesnakes don’t at all times rattle earlier than placing, however should you hear warning rattles or spot a snake, slowly again away and don’t startle it.

Whereas Lake Tahoe is house to a plethora of snakes, snake bites are uncommon, and deadly ones much more so. Respecting wildlife and conserving a secure distance from snakes will assist forestall harmful encounters and allow guests to benefit from the crystal-clear waters and gorgeous surroundings of Lake Tahoe.