Of Wisconsin’s approximately 21 snake species, 14 are listed as endangered and face a variety of serious threats.
There are about 15,000 lakes and 12,600 rivers and streams in America’s Dairyland, which is home to a diverse aquatic ecology.
Large snake populations can be found in some areas of the state as a result of the perfect conditions this produces for a variety of species to flourish.
Although most people view snakes as “enemies” and attack them right away, most snakes in Wisconsin are not to be feared. There are just two toxic snake species in the rattlesnake family.
Furthermore, only people who fail to recognize or comprehend the ecological significance that snakes perform wind up persecuting them needlessly. These are some of Wisconsin’s most snake-infested regions.
Prairie Du Sac
A tiny community called Prairie du Sac is located beside the Wisconsin River. Temperate deciduous forests, agricultural fields, meadows, and marshes along the Wisconsin River floodplain make up the majority of the surrounding terrain.
Species such as the Common Garter Snake, Eastern Milksnake, Northern Water Snake, and Eastern Hognose Snake are frequently encountered.
However, it is one of the most snake-infested locations in Wisconsin, with reports of sightings of larger species such as the Western Ratsnake.
Wetlands, residual prairies, and an abundance of undisturbed forest patches are responsible for this, as they offer snakes a suitable habitat.
Adventurers and recreational users frequently come with snakes when exploring the outdoors, and they are frequently cautioned to maintain a safe distance.
Caledonia
The Fox River serves as the focal point of the parks, woodlands, and wetlands that encircle this small hamlet in Racine County. Numerous snake species, such as the Eastern Fox Snake, Common Garter Snake, Eastern Milksnake, Northern Water Snake, and Eastern Ratsnake, can flourish in these natural areas.
Snakes, particularly the common garter snake, thrive in the parks and other natural places because of the variety of their habitats and the amount of prey such as fish, frogs, and rodents.
Since many of Caledonia’s natural areas are used for leisure, locals are less afraid of snakes and have become accustomed to seeing them.
In order to promote harmonious coexistence with the general public, conservation organizations like the Caledonia Conservancy also raise knowledge of the ecological responsibilities and advantages of snakes.
Portage
Columbia County’s seat, Portage, is located in the Wisconsin River floodplain, which is dotted with a variety of landscapes, including prairies, marshes, floodplain woods, and agricultural areas.
A sizable population of snakes, primarily water and garter snakes, are drawn to these diverse environments. But there are other hog-nosed snakes in the vicinity that hunt prey.
In Portage, snake interactions are frequent, particularly with garter snakes, given that the town is surrounded by natural regions. Frequent, amicable contacts have helped people get used to their existence.
By hiring wildlife rehabilitators to humanely remove stray snakes from homes and return them to their native habitats, the city has attempted to reduce the number of contacts between wildlife and people.
Burlington
Due to its location inside the Fox River floodplain, Burlington is surrounded by woodland and marsh areas. In Burlington, you will also come across areas of grassland plains, maple-basswood forests, and agricultural fields.
Numerous snake species, including the Hognose Snake, Water Snake, Garter Snake, and Milksnake, are drawn to this natural habitat.
The moderate environment, plenty of food supplies, and scarcity of natural predators all contribute to the species’ continued success.
They are often encountered by outdoor enthusiasts and recreationalists, particularly garter snakes. In spite of this, the society has learned to give them room, and the exchanges are generally amicable.
Signs along outdoor pathways that promote peaceful coexistence and educating children not to tamper with snakes are two examples of local conservation initiatives.
Delavan
The ecosystem of Delavan, which is roughly 53 miles from Milwaukee, includes open fields, marshland areas, woods, and wet prairies.
Additionally, Delavan has a park system spanning more than 100 acres, which includes places like Ned Hollister Wetlands Conservancy and Congdon Park.
Garter snakes, water snakes, and hognosed snakes now have the perfect home thanks to this. as exploring the Delavan Park system and the areas close to residential neighborhoods, people usually run with snakes as they come out to enjoy the sun.
Fortunately, attempts to educate the public about the ecological significance of snakes have made disagreements infrequent.
To Conclude
Snakes are an important part of the natural ecosystem, despite the general public’s belief that they pose a threat to humans.
They contribute to the balance of the food chain by feeding on rodents and small amphibians and being preyed upon by larger creatures like eagles.
Because of this, it’s critical to recognize and value their needs, respect their ecosystems throughout the majority of Wisconsin’s snake-infested places, and learn how to live in harmony with them.
