Scary – The 3 Most Snake Infested Lakes In New Mexico

New Mexico has lots of beautiful lakes but if you're afraid of snakes, you might want to skip these. One is pretty close to El Paso ...

Believe it or not, New Mexico is loaded with lakes. There are over 1,200 scattered across the land of enchantment, some natural, some manmade, all beautiful.

You really want to watch where you step at some of them though.

There are 46 species of snakes all over New Mexico, luckily only 2 of them are venomous. Coral snakes and rattlesnakes. Rattlers are kind enough to, (usually), warn you and coral snakes are, (generally), too small to bite humans. "Usually" and "generally", trust neither.

That means the bulk of New Mexico snakes are cool, or at least not deadly. Good news but if you don't like snakes at all, these are not the best swimming holes for you and yours.

Elephant Butte is a man made reservoir about 2 hours north of El Paso. It's the largest body of water in the state and, at around 36,500 acres, the 84th largest man-made lake in America.

Elephant Butte Lake's favorable climate, massive area, and easy access to prey are all ideal conditions for the snake population to excel. It is estimated that there are anywhere from several hundred to thousands of snakes at any given time of the year. - worldatlas.com

Cochiti Lake is near Santa Fe and the huge water source draws lots of small critters who in turn attract tons of snakes. Most are non venomous but the rattlers do pack a punch.

Other, 'harmless" snakes around Cochiti Lake like coachwhips, western garter snakes, and bullsnakes aren't deadly but they're pretty grouchy and will defend themselves.

Conchas Lake is in northeastern New Mexico and, just like Cochiti Lake, offers a water source and plenty of vegetation which draws rodents who in turn draw hundreds of snakes.

PS: All snakes can swim ... just so you know.