Canada is a land filled with different interesting things, ranging from cities to people and then to animals. They have up to 36 species of snakes in the whole of Canada, but what surprises people is the fact that they have recorded only 3 cases of death from snake bites, which led to the question: Are there any poisonous snakes in Canada?
Well, I don’t blame anyone for asking this question because the fact remains that there are both land and sea snakes scattered all over Canada. Does that mean they are not venomous? Worry your head no more because this article will answer all your questions about snakes in Canada, so keep reading.
Are There Any Poisonous Snakes In Canada?
Canada has different venomous snakes, but which of them are poisonous? That’s what we are about to find out right now.
Canada in history has only recorded three deaths of persons being bitten by venomous snakes, and in all, it was discovered that the eastern Massasauga rattlesnake was behind it, so that’s how they came about it being the most deadly snake in Canada.
The Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake is not an aggressive snake, and it is believed they only bite in an act of defense, especially when someone steps on them. And now, from this analysis, you can beat your chest and say, “Yes, there are poisonous snakes in Canada. Consult medical treatment at once in the case of an eastern Massasauga rattlesnake bite.
What Part Of Canada Has The Most Snakes?
Canada has a place that serves as a home for the largest concentration of snakes in the whole world, a place where thousands of snakes do gather to mate. What is this place called? It is called the Narcisse snake den and is located in Manitoba, Canada.
Manitoba is a province in Canada bounded by Saskatchewan to the west, Hudson Bay and Ontario to the east, North Dakota and Minnesota to the south, and Nunavut to the north. It is located at the center of the country, and that’s the part of Canada that has the most snakes.
Most Snake-Infested Lakes In Canada?
Among the 25 snake species that are the origin of Canada, there are only three species of watersnakes that you can find in the lakes: the Northern watersnakes, the Common watersnakes, and the Lake Erie watersnakes. Among the three, the Northern watersnakes are the most common, and any other ones you can find aside from the ones mentioned above are semi-aquatic.
Over 555 lakes can be found spread throughout Canada. They have more lakes than any other country, with freshwater bodies of water covering 8% of their total geographical area. The majority of aquatic animals call these lakes home, and they also bring in a lot of money from tourists who come to enjoy its amenities.
Below is a list of the most snake-infested lakes in Canada;
1. Lake Huron:
One of the most snake-infested lakes in Canada, Lake Huron is home to watersnakes, common ribbonsnakes, and eastern fox snakes. It is North America’s fifth-largest lake and the one with the longest shoreline. Due to its shallow waters and violent storms, it has a history of causing shipwrecks, and it is believed that hundreds of them are buried beneath the lake’s surface. Due to its huge river systems, beautiful beaches, well-maintained forest lines, and wetlands, it is highly regarded by tourists.
2. Lake Ontario
Other species of snakes, like rat snakes, also occupy this lake, and it also has some semi-aquatic snakes in it, like the Lake Erie watersnake.
3. Lake Superior
Although this lake is enormous, it only harbors one species of snake, the northern watersnake, and it borders Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota on three sides. Due to its size, Lake Superior contains more water than all of the other great lakes in North America put together.
4. Sylvan Lake
The French immigrants who arrived in Canada from Quebec in 1899 gave this lake the name Snake Lake as a result of the numerous garter snakes they saw there. Many years later, when the locals wanted to use the region as a resort, they officially changed the name to Sylvan Lake because they thought the first name’s reference to a snake would scare off potential visitors.
4. Lake Erie
Many water snakes, including common watersnakes, northern watersnakes, Lake Erie watersnakes, Eastern Foxsnakes, and eastern garter snakes, can be found in Lake Erie. Thousands of shipwrecks have found their final resting place there, making it one of Canada’s top diving locations. Its borders are those of the Canadian province of Ontario, the U.S. states of Pennsylvania and New York to the south and east, respectively, and Michigan to the west. Due to the lovely surroundings, it also acts as a recreation hub for pursuits like sailing, boating, and canoeing.
Does Toronto Have Poisonous Snakes?
Toronto doesn’t have any venomous snakes; they only have two species of snakes, namely the Dekay’s brown snake and the common eastern garter snake, which are both harmless.
Are there Poisonous Snakes In Ontario?
Although it only attacks people when provoked, the Massasauga rattlesnake is the sole poisonous snake in Ontario. Its typical length is between 50 and 70 centimeters, and its color is stout-bodied.
What Are The Most Common Snakes In Ontario?
The Lake Erie watersnakes and the northern watersnakes, which live near freshwater bodies and shorelines, are the two different species of watersnakes found in Ontario. However, the three smaller eastern garter snakes, red-bellied snakes, and Dekay’s brown snakes are the most prevalent in Ontario.
What To Do If You See A Snake In Toronto
The response to this query depends on the circumstances surrounding your encounter with the snake and its proximity to you.
Just leave the snake alone if it’s a wild one and it’s in your house. It won’t harm you, so don’t bother it; just watch it till it disappears. There are no venomous snakes in Toronto, the only deadly snake in Ontario is the Massasauga rattlesnake, which only inhabits a small number of natural areas that are located outside of Toronto. They only bite in self-defense because they are venomous, but only if you try to attack them first, therefore you must just let them go without taking any action.
What To Do If Snake Attacks You
Snakes are benign; they typically bite people as a form of self-defense. There are various precautions you can take to prevent coming into contact with a snake, as doing so would be risky. Here’s what you should do if you believe a snake is about to attack you even if, in most cases, it is not. A snake’s next move depends on how you respond to it.
• Try not to lose your composure or panic. This will enable you to carefully examine the snake before making judgments that will keep you safe.
• Remain calm and watch the animal’s movements rather than startling it with rapid movements in its direction.
• The best course of action is to avoid coming into contact with a snake; by doing this, you will always be safe. Walk away slowly from the snake from a different direction and in a circular motion.
Can Snakes Climb Walls?
For as long as they can get above the lip of a surface, snakes can lift their heads and bodies against it and pull themselves over. In conclusion, snakes can scale any wall that is shorter than the length of their entire body.
Summary
There are many snakes in Canada, ranging from venomous to nonvenomous to dangerous ones, although even the poisonous ones won’t bite unless provoked.
