Snakes in Montana: Big Sky Serpent Tales
Are you ready to embark on a reptilian journey through the wild landscapes of Montana? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
Montana is home to a remarkable array of snake species — in fact, there are about ten you can find slithering around here. From venomous vipers to charming garter snakes, this state has something for every reptile lover.
Before you set off on your next outdoor adventure, let’s dive into the fascinating world of Montana’s snakes and get to know some of the incredible species that call this beautiful state home.
| # | Name | Details | Image |
| 1 | Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) |
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| 2 | Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer) |
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| 3 | North American Racer (Coluber constrictor) |
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| 4 | Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) |
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| 5 | Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix) |
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| 6 | Plains Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon nasicus) |
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| 7 | Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) |
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| 8 | Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis) |
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| 9 | Western Milksnake (Lampropeltis gentilis) |
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| 10 | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans) |
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10 Snakes You Can Find in Montana
In the state of Montana, 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 Montana, 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 Montana, 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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Plains Garter Snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis radix
- Common Name: Plains garter snake
- Size: 16-28 inches (41-71 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, wetlands, and areas near water sources
- Color: Brown or gray with yellow or orange stripes
- Habitat: Grasslands, wetlands, and areas near water sources
- Maximum Size: 16-28 inches (41-71 cm)
- Diet: Earthworms, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates
- Reproduction: Live-bearing; 6-80 offspring per litter
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Plains Garter Snake
Plains Garter Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Plains Garter Snake
The Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix) is a non-venomous reptile characterized by its brown or gray color with yellow or orange stripes. Typically measuring 16-28 inches (41-71 cm) in length, it thrives in grasslands, wetlands, and areas near water sources. These diurnal, semi-aquatic snakes are known for their swimming prowess. They feed primarily on earthworms, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Mating results in live births, producing 6-80 offspring per litter. Currently, their conservation status is of least concern.
6. Plains Hog-nosed Snake
- Scientific Name: Heterodon nasicus
- Common Name: Plains hog-nosed snake
- Size: Up to 25 inches (63.5 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, sandy or gravelly areas, floodplains
- Color: Reddish-brown, tan, or gray with dark blotches
- Habitat: Grasslands, sandy or gravelly areas, floodplains
- Maximum Size: Up to 25 inches (63.5 cm)
- Diet: Toads, lizards, small mammals, and reptile eggs
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 4-19
- Venom: Mildly venomous, not dangerous to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Plains Hog-nosed Snake
Plains Hog-nosed Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Plains Hog-nosed Snake
The Plains Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon nasicus) is a mildly venomous reptile, characterized by its reddish-brown, tan, or gray color with dark blotches. Found in grasslands, sandy or gravelly areas, and floodplains, this snake is a diurnal burrower that plays dead when threatened. Measuring up to 25 inches (63.5 cm) in length, this snake primarily feeds on toads, lizards, small mammals, and reptile eggs. Females lay eggs in clutches of 4-19. Although mildly venomous, Plains Hog-nosed Snakes pose no threat to humans, and their conservation status is listed as 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. Smooth Green Snake
- Scientific Name: Opheodrys vernalis
- Common Name: Smooth green snake
- Size: 14-20 inches (36-51 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands
- Color: Bright green with a lighter belly
- Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands
- Maximum Size: 14-20 inches (36-51 cm)
- Diet: Insects and spiders
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-12
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Smooth Green Snake
Smooth Green Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Smooth Green Snake
The Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis) measures 14-20 inches (36-51 cm) and is characterized by its vibrant green color and lighter belly. Commonly found in grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands, this diurnal and terrestrial reptile is an adept climber. Its diet mainly consists of insects and spiders. In terms of reproduction, they lay eggs in clutches of 3-12. Though non-venomous, these snakes should be admired from afar. Fortunately, their conservation status is currently listed as ‘Least Concern.’
9. Western Milksnake
- Scientific Name: Lampropeltis gentilis
- Common Name: Western milksnake
- Size: Up to 4 feet (1.2 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, grasslands, rocky areas, and farmland
- Color: Reddish-brown with black and white bands
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, rocky areas, and farmland
- Maximum Size: Up to 4 feet (1.2 meters)
- Diet: Rodents, birds, reptiles, and eggs
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-20
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Western Milksnake
Western Milksnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Western Milksnake
The Western Milksnake (Lampropeltis gentilis) is a non-venomous species growing up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) in length. Its reddish-brown color is adorned with black and white bands, ideal for camouflage in forests, grasslands, rocky areas, and farmland. Exhibiting nocturnal and terrestrial behavior, this snake primarily feeds on rodents, birds, reptiles, and eggs. During reproduction, it lays eggs in clutches of 3-20. The Western Milksnake’s conservation status remains at least concern, indicating a stable population.
10. Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis elegans
- Common Name: Western terrestrial garter snake
- Size: 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, and near freshwater sources
- Color: Brown or greenish background with three yellow stripes
- Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, and near freshwater sources
- Maximum Size: 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters)
- Diet: Amphibians, fish, small mammals, and invertebrates
- Reproduction: Give birth to live young, 4-18 offspring
- Venom: Mildly venomous, not dangerous to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
The Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans) is a moderately-sized snake, measuring 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters) in length. It features a brown or greenish background color with three distinctive yellow stripes. The snake can be found inhabiting woodlands, grasslands, and areas near freshwater sources. Diurnal in nature, it is primarily ground-dwelling and feeds on amphibians, fish, small mammals, and invertebrates. This species is mildly venomous but poses no threat to humans. They reproduce by giving birth to live young, producing 4-18 offspring per litter. Currently, their conservation status is listed as “least concern.”
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Final Words
All the 10 snakes have truly opened our eyes to the fascinating world of snakes found in Montana. 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 Montana, 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!
Are Montana’s Snakes Similar to Those Found in Wyoming?
Montana and Wyoming share similar habitats, which means their snake species overlap in some areas. For instance, the prairie rattlesnake can be found in both states. Learning more about the snakes in each region is fascinating, especially when looking into “snakes in wyoming facts” to compare their behaviors and environments.
What Types of Snakes Are Found in Montana Compared to Oregon?
Montana is home to the western rattlesnake, gopher snake, and garter snake, while Oregon houses the western rattlesnake, gopher snake, and rubber boa. Each “beaver state serpent secrets” reveal the diverse snake species that inhabit the region.
