Avoid This Missouri Creek If You Don’t Want to See Rattlesnakes

It's not unusual for Missouri places to have snakes even the venomous ones, but there's one creek where you're more likely to see a rattlesnake than not. It's just been named one of the most rattlesnake-infested places in the state.

World Atlas just declared Squaw Creek the most rattlesnake-infested place in Missouri. Squaw Creek is located inside of the massive Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge and the 3,200 acres of wetlands are packed with Massasauga rattlesnakes. They are known to seek out burrows near the Mississippi River and aren't afraid to take over homes of other animals.

The good news is you'll rarely have a problem with rattlesnakes assuming that you pay attention to where you walk and reach. Most of the rattlesnake bite incidents happen when someone steps or reaches behind a rock where they can't see what waits on the other side. Rattlesnakes are notorious for using their tails to warn off potential invaders and are rarely aggressive unless you're threatening their den. I've heard of many rattlesnakes that will sun themselves on walking trails during the late morning or early afternoon, but again they won't cause you trouble as long as you don't get too close too fast. Most of these snakes (even the venomous ones) will flee instead of dealing with humans unless they have to. All that being said, it's a good idea to be very aware of your surroundings if you visit Squaw Creek inside the Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge. You're just a visitor there while the snakes call it home.