Snakes in Idaho: Gem State Serpent Secrets
Ever wondered about the slithery friends that call Idaho their home? Well, you’re in for a treat because Idaho is home to an impressive variety of snakes — 12 species, to be precise!
From harmless garter snakes to the infamous rattlesnake, these reptiles can be found in a range of habitats throughout the state. Some are shy and elusive, while others are more commonly encountered.
So get ready to meet the magnificent serpents that share our beautiful state, and learn how to identify them in the great outdoors. What are you waiting for? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Idaho’s snake population!
| # | Name | Details | Image |
| 1 | Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) |
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| 2 | Desert Night Snake (Eridiphas slevini) |
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| 3 | Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer) |
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| 4 | Long-Nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) |
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| 5 | North American Racer (Coluber constrictor) |
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| 6 | Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) |
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| 7 | Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) |
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| 8 | Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus) |
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| 9 | Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus) |
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| 10 | Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans) |
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| 11 | Western Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata) |
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| 12 | Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) |
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12 Snakes You Can Find in Idaho
In the state of Idaho, a fascinating array of serpents can be found slithering through its diverse landscapes. From venomous to harmless, each species has its unique story to tell. Below, we’ll explore the wonders of these often misunderstood creatures of Idaho, from their natural habitats and behaviors to the challenges they face in our changing world.
1. Common Garter Snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis sirtalis
- Common Name: Common garter snake
- Size: Up to 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Wet and moist habitats, including marshes, fields, and forests
- Color: Green or brown with three yellow stripes
- Habitat: Wet and moist habitats, including marshes, fields, and forests
- Maximum Size: Up to 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
- Diet: Frogs, fish, earthworms, and small mammals
- Reproduction: Gives birth to live young, 10-40 per litter
- Venom: Mildly venomous, harmless to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Common Garter Snake
Common Garter Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Common Garter Snake
The Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is a 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters) non-aggressive and mildly venomous reptile with a green or brown body and three yellow stripes. Inhabiting wet and moist habitats like marshes, fields, and forests of Idaho, these diurnal snakes hibernate during winter to escape the cold. Their diet consists of frogs, fish, earthworms, and small mammals. Uniquely, these snakes birth live young, producing 10-40 per litter. Although venomous, they pose no threat to humans and are currently listed as a species of least concern for conservation.
2. Desert Night Snake
- Scientific Name: Eridiphas slevini
- Common Name: Desert night snake
- Size: 12 to 26 inches (30 to 66 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Deserts, semiarid habitats, and grasslands
- Color: Pale brown or gray with dark brown spots
- Habitat: Deserts, semiarid habitats, and grasslands
- Maximum Size: 12 to 26 inches (30 to 66 cm)
- Diet: Lizards, small snakes, and amphibians
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 4-12
- Venom: Mildly venomous, not dangerous to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Desert Night Snake
Desert Night Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Desert Night Snake
The Desert Night Snake (Eridiphas slevini) is a small, nocturnal reptile commonly found in deserts, semi-arid habitats, and grasslands. Ranging in size from 12 to 26 inches (30 to 66 cm), its coloration consists of a pale brown or gray base with dark brown spots. Known for being secretive, its diet primarily consists of lizards, small snakes, and amphibians. Reproducing via egg clutches of 4-12, this mildly venomous snake poses no significant threats to humans and falls under the Least Concern conservation status.
3. Gophersnake
- Scientific Name: Pituophis catenifer
- Common Name: Gophersnake
- Size: Up to 7 feet (2.1 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, forests, and agricultural areas
- Color: Yellow, brown, or cream with dark spots
- Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, forests, and agricultural areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 7 feet (2.1 meters)
- Diet: Mammals, birds, eggs, and reptiles
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 2-24
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Gophersnake
Gophersnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Gophersnake
The Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer) is a non-venomous snake species measuring up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) in length. They exhibit yellow, brown, or cream-colored scales with dark spots. Gophersnakes thrive in various habitats such as deserts, grasslands, forests, and agricultural areas. These diurnal, burrow-dwelling reptiles primarily feed on mammals, birds, eggs, and other reptiles. Gophersnakes reproduce through laying egg clutches, consisting of 2-24 eggs. Currently, they have a conservation status of least concern.
4. Long-Nosed Snake
- Scientific Name: Rhinocheilus lecontei
- Common Name: Long-nosed snake
- Size: Up to 30 – 52 inches (76 – 132 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Semi-arid or desert areas, grasslands, scrublands, and rocky terrain
- Color: Black or brown with red, cream, or white bands
- Habitat: Semi-arid or desert areas, grasslands, scrublands, and rocky terrain
- Maximum Size: Up to 30 – 52 inches (76 – 132 cm)
- Diet: Rodents, lizards, and small mammals
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-10
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Long-Nosed Snake
Long-Nosed Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Long-Nosed Snake
The Long-Nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) is a non-venomous reptile that reaches lengths of 30-52 inches (76-132 cm). Its distinct black or brown coloration features red, cream, or white bands. Commonly found in semi-arid or desert areas, grasslands, scrublands, and rocky terrain, this nocturnal creature is terrestrial, non-aggressive, and primarily feeds on rodents, lizards, and small mammals. Long-nosed snakes reproduce by laying clutches of 3-10 eggs, and their conservation status is listed as least concern.
5. North American Racer
- Scientific Name: Coluber constrictor
- Common Name: North american racer
- Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, forests, and farmlands
- Color: Blue, gray, or greenish with a white or yellow underside
- Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, forests, and farmlands
- Maximum Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, frogs, and insects
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 4-30
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown North American Racer
North American Racer Snakelet
Fully-Grown North American Racer
The North American Racer (Coluber constrictor) is a non-venomous snake species that can reach up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length. Characterized by blue, gray, or greenish scales and a white or yellow underside, these diurnal and terrestrial creatures inhabit grasslands, meadows, forests, and farmlands. Known for their fast-moving behavior, they primarily feed on small mammals, birds, frogs, and insects. North American Racers reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 4-30, and their conservation status is listed as least concern.
6. Northern Rubber Boa
- Scientific Name: Charina bottae
- Common Name: Northern rubber boa
- Size: Up to 33 inches (84 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, grasslands, chaparral, and shrublands
- Color: Uniform brown with lighter ventral surface
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, chaparral, and shrublands
- Maximum Size: Up to 33 inches (84 cm)
- Diet: Rodents, small mammals, and reptile eggs
- Reproduction: Live birth, producing 1-9 offspring per litter
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Northern Rubber Boa
Northern Rubber Boa Snakelet
Fully-Grown Northern Rubber Boa
The Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) is a non-venomous snake species that can grow up to 33 inches (84 cm) in length. It is characterized by its uniform brown color and lighter ventral surface. These secretive, nocturnal reptiles dwell in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, chaparral, and shrublands. The docile Northern Rubber Boa primarily feeds on rodents, small mammals, and reptile eggs. They reproduce through live birth, typically delivering 1-9 offspring per litter. Their conservation status is least concern.
7. Prairie Rattlesnake
- Scientific Name: Crotalus viridis
- Common Name: Prairie rattlesnake
- Size: 20-50 inches (51-127 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Prairies, grasslands, and scrublands
- Color: Greenish or brownish with dark bands and a rattle on the tail
- Habitat: Prairies, grasslands, and scrublands
- Maximum Size: 20-50 inches (51-127 cm)
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, and reptiles
- Reproduction: Live-bearing; 4-21 offspring per litter
- Venom: Venomous, potentially dangerous to humans but usually not fatal
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Prairie Rattlesnake
Prairie Rattlesnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Prairie Rattlesnake
The Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) is a venomous snake inhabiting prairies, grasslands, and scrublands. Typically measuring 20-50 inches (51-127 cm) in length, it features a greenish or brownish coloration with dark bands and a distinctive rattle on its tail. As nocturnal, terrestrial, and ambush predators, they mainly feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. These live-bearing snakes, with 4-21 offspring per litter, pose a potential danger to humans though their venom is usually not fatal. Currently, they hold a conservation status of Least Concern.
8. Ringneck Snake
- Scientific Name: Diadophis punctatus
- Common Name: Ringneck snake
- Size: 12-15 inches (30-38 centimeters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and urban areas
- Color: Gray or dark brown with yellow or orange ring around the neck
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and urban areas
- Maximum Size: 12-15 inches (30-38 centimeters)
- Diet: Small invertebrates such as insects, worms, and slugs
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-10
- Venom: Mildly venomous, but not harmful to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Ringneck Snake
Ringneck Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Ringneck Snake
The Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus) is a small, mildly venomous serpent, measuring 12-15 inches (30-38 centimeters) in length. Exhibiting a gray or dark brown coloration with a distinct yellow or orange ring around its neck, this species prefers habitats including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. As nocturnal, secretive creatures, Ringneck Snakes are found hiding under rocks or logs, feeding on small invertebrates such as insects, worms, and slugs. Reproducing by laying 3-10 eggs per clutch, this snake is presently classified as least concern in terms of conservation status.
9. Striped Whipsnake
- Scientific Name: Masticophis taeniatus
- Common Name: Striped whipsnake
- Size: Up to 6 feet (1.83 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, and rocky areas
- Color: Black, green or blue with yellowish stripes
- Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, and rocky areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 6 feet (1.83 meters)
- Diet: Lizards, small mammals, birds, and amphibians
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-12
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Striped Whipsnake
Striped Whipsnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Striped Whipsnake
The Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus) is a long, slender snake measuring up to 6 feet (1.83 meters) in length. Sporting black, green, or blue scales with yellowish stripes, it inhabits deserts, grasslands, and rocky areas of Idaho. As a fast-moving, diurnal creature, it thrives primarily on the ground, preying on lizards, small mammals, birds, and amphibians. Non-venomous in nature, it lays 3-12 eggs in each clutch. The Striped Whipsnake’s conservation status is classified as “least concern.”
10. Terrestrial Garter Snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis elegans
- Common Name: Terrestrial garter snake
- Size: Up to 3.3 feet (1 meter)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, woodlands, and forests near water sources
- Color: Striped in various shades of green, brown, or gray
- Habitat: Grasslands, woodlands, and forests near water sources
- Maximum Size: Up to 3.3 feet (1 meter)
- Diet: Earthworms, slugs, snails, frogs, and fish
- Reproduction: Give birth to live young, with 4-17 offspring per litter
- Venom: Mildly venomous, but not harmful to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Terrestrial Garter Snake
Terrestrial Garter Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Terrestrial Garter Snake
The terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans) is a mildly venomous, diurnal snake that grows up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) in length. Sporting stripes in various shades of green, brown, or gray, these semi-aquatic creatures inhabit grasslands, woodlands, and forests near water sources. They primarily feast on earthworms, slugs, snails, frogs, and fish. The terrestrial garter snake gives birth to live young, with 4-17 offspring per litter. Despite their venom, they are not harmful to humans, and their conservation status is classified as least concern.
11. Western Ground Snake
- Scientific Name: Sonora semiannulata
- Common Name: Western ground snake
- Size: Up to 20 inches (51 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Desert, grasslands, scrublands, and rocky areas
- Color: Brown, reddish, or gray with wide bands
- Habitat: Desert, grasslands, scrublands, and rocky areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 20 inches (51 cm)
- Diet: Insects, arachnids, and small lizards
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-5
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Western Ground Snake
Western Ground Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Western Ground Snake
The Western Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata) is a small, non-venomous reptile found in diverse environments, including deserts, grasslands, and scrublands. Measuring up to 20 inches (51 cm) in size, its color varies from shades of brown to reddish or gray with wide bands. A nocturnal and secretive species, their diet consists of insects, arachnids, and small lizards. Reproduction involves laying clutches of 3-5 eggs. At present, the conservation status of this snake is listed as least concern.
12. Western Rattlesnake
- Scientific Name: Crotalus oreganus
- Common Name: Western rattlesnake
- Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, and forests
- Color: Brown or olive with dark bands
- Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, and forests
- Maximum Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 meters)
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, and reptiles
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 4-25
- Venom: Venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Western Rattlesnake
Western Rattlesnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Western Rattlesnake
The Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) is a solitary, terrestrial snake that grows up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length. Its coloration varies from brown to olive, featuring dark bands across its body. Inhabiting deserts, grasslands, and forests, their diet consists of small mammals, birds, and reptiles. The Western Rattlesnake is oviparous, laying eggs in clutches of 4-25. Apart from its venomous nature, it is not considered a threat to its ecosystem; its conservation status is “Least Concern.”
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Final Words
All the 12 snakes have truly opened our eyes to the fascinating world of snakes found in Idaho. Who knew there were so many different types of these slithering reptiles, each with their own unique characteristics and habitats?
Not only did we get a chance to learn about some of the more common and well-known species, but we also delved into the lesser-known and often misunderstood ones.
So, the next time you’re out and about in Idaho, keep an eye out for these incredible creatures, and let’s continue to appreciate and protect the diverse wildlife that makes our world so interesting!
