How to search for snakes near reservoirs

Nature Talk
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I’m from Dagestan, and I really want to find a snake in person. We have many lakes where water snakes and common snakes can live. I’m interested in how you approach finding snakes near bodies of water without harming the ecosystem.
When is the best time to get out?
How to search without scaring snakes?
How to minimize stress for animals and avoid risks when encountering poisonous species?

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A snake was found in this place, so I plan to search here. https://maps.app.goo.gl/xXEaBU2YrzJDnGc88

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The water snakes around here like to warm themselves in the sun, so one way to observe them without scaring them is just to sit still near the shore on a warm day. One will come up on the rocks sooner or later. Not sure if the species you’re looking for like to sun themselves or not.

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Venomous snakes in different parts of the world behave very differently. Here in northern California, the only venomous snake is a subspecies of rattlesnake that is particularly docile and will try very hard to scare people away before making any attempt to bite. In other parts of the world there are snakes that will absolutely charge towards people and bite if the people don’t retreat. You should ask people from your own region how the different species in your area behave. Unfortunately most of us won’t be able to advise you.

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When people visiting the wildlife refuge wish to see snakes, I tell them to keep two things in mind. Now, some may snicker at these, but they work.

  1. Think and look for nylon rope. This puts the texture of the snake in one’s mind and people know what nylon rope looks like and easier to find.
  2. We have northern cottonmouths and when they curl up on themselves, they look like a pile of dog poo in a quick glance. We are trained not to step on dog poo so then we won’t step on the snake. People laugh at this one until they see it for themselves.
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From the map you show, it looks like potentially good habitat. I would slowly walk the trail along the lake and perhaps over to the shopping center to the southeast. You should see snakes near the water’s edge, perhaps basking on the edge of trail.

best time: warm, sunny mornings

how to search without scaring: walk really slowly along the edge of the trail

how to minimize stress: don’t catch them, or if you do, don’t keep them for more than a few minutes and be sure to put them back where you found them

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