There are snakes in Montana, but the types of snakes found there are not as diverse as in other regions. Montana is home to ten native species of snakes, most of them harmless, except for the Prairie Rattlesnake, which is the only venomous one.
Montana’s Snakes
The Common Gartersnake is one of the most commonly encountered species in Montana, alongside the Plains Gartersnake and the Terrestrial Gartersnake. These non-venomous snakes can be found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and forests. They are known for their distinctive striped pattern, which varies in color and intensity.
Another widespread species in Montana is the Gophersnake, often called the Bullsnake. It is non-venomous and typically lives in grasslands and sagebrush steppe. Gophersnakes catch prey by constriction, looping the body around small mammals and birds until the animal stops moving.
The Northern Rubber Boa is a small, non-venomous snake that is found in forested areas of Montana. These snakes are known for their unique skin, which feels like rubber to the touch. They are also capable of curling up into a ball to protect themselves from predators.
Of Montana’s ten native snakes, the Prairie Rattlesnake is the only venomous one. It lives mostly in grasslands, sagebrush steppe, and rocky outcrops across the central and eastern parts of the state. The species is easy to recognise by the segmented rattle on the tail, which it shakes as a warning when it feels threatened.
Other snake species found in Montana include the North American Racer, Plains Hog-nosed Snake, Smooth Greensnake, and Western Milksnake. Most of these snakes are non-venomous and play important ecological roles in controlling rodent populations.
