Snakes in South Dakota: Rushmore State Visit
Have you ever wondered about the variety of slithery serpents that call South Dakota their home? You’ve come to the right place!
It might surprise some of you, but South Dakota is home to an impressive 16 different species of snakes. That’s right, 16! Now, I bet you’re curious to know more about these fascinating reptiles.
Join us as we embark on this scaly adventure to uncover the 16 species of snakes that can be found right here in South Dakota! Get ready to be amazed!
| # | Name | Details | Image |
| 1 | Black Hills Red-Bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata pahasapensis) |
|  |
| 2 | Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi) |
|  |
| 3 | Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) |
|  |
| 4 | Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris) |
|  |
| 5 | Lined Snake (Tropidoclonion lineatum) |
|  |
| 6 | Northern Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata) |
|  |
| 7 | Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) |
|  |
| 8 | Pale Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum multistriata) |
|  |
| 9 | Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) |
|  |
| 10 | Prairie Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus arnyi) |
|  |
| 11 | Red-sided Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) |
|  |
| 12 | Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis) |
|  |
| 13 | Wandering Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans vagrans) |
|  |
| 14 | Western Foxsnake (Pantherophis ramspotti) |
|  |
| 15 | Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus) |
|  |
| 16 | Western Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix) |
|  |
16 Snakes You Can Find in South Dakota
In the state of South Dakota, 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 South Dakota, from their natural habitats and behaviors to the challenges they face in our changing world.
1. Black Hills Red-Bellied Snake
- Scientific Name: Storeria occipitomaculata pahasapensis
- Common Name: Black hills red-bellied snake
- Size: Up to 16 inches (40 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Forested hills and deciduous woodlands
- Color: Gray or brown with dark blotches, red or orange belly
- Habitat: Forested hills and deciduous woodlands
- Maximum Size: Up to 16 inches (40 cm)
- Diet: Slugs, snails, and worms
- Reproduction: Live-bearing, 3-8 offspring per litter
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Not evaluated
Fully-Grown Black Hills Red-Bellied Snake
Black Hills Red-Bellied Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Black Hills Red-Bellied Snake
The Black Hills Red-Bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata pahasapensis) is a small, non-venomous reptile that grows up to 16 inches (40 cm) long. Its gray or brown coloration is marked with dark blotches, while its belly sports a vibrant red or orange hue. This nocturnal species inhabits forested hills and deciduous woodlands, primarily feeding on slugs, snails, and worms. Unlike most snakes, this live-bearing species residing in South Dakota typically gives birth to 3-8 offspring per litter. Current conservation status has not been evaluated.
2. Bullsnake
- Scientific Name: Pituophis catenifer sayi
- Common Name: Bull snake
- Size: 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, deserts, woodlands, and agricultural areas
- Color: Brown or yellowish with dark blotches
- Habitat: Grasslands, deserts, woodlands, and agricultural areas
- Maximum Size: 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
- Diet: Rodents, rabbits, ground-nesting birds, and eggs
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 5-22
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Bullsnake
Bullsnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Bullsnake
The Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi), a non-venomous constrictor, measures 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) and exhibits a brown or yellowish color with dark blotches. Found in grasslands, deserts, woodlands, and agricultural areas, these diurnal and terrestrial snakes primarily feed on rodents, rabbits, ground-nesting birds, and eggs. During the reproduction, the female Bullsnake lays egg clutches ranging from 5-22. With a conservation status listed as “Least Concern”, the Bullsnake is not currently under threat in South Dakota.
3. Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
- Scientific Name: Heterodon platirhinos
- Common Name: Eastern hog-nosed snake
- Size: 20-33 inches (51-84 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, and sandy areas
- Color: Highly variable, typically brown or gray with dark blotches
- Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, and sandy areas
- Maximum Size: 20-33 inches (51-84 cm)
- Diet: Mostly toads, but also other amphibians and small mammals
- Reproduction: Lay eggs, 4-60 per clutch
- Venom: Mild venom, harmless to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
The Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) is a moderately-sized serpent, reaching lengths of 20-33 inches (51-84 cm). Its coloration is highly variable, typically exhibiting brown or gray hues with dark blotches. Inhabiting woodlands, grasslands, and sandy areas, this diurnal snake is known for playing dead when threatened. Its diet mainly consists of toads, along with other amphibians and small mammals. It reproduces by laying 4-60 eggs per clutch, has mild venom harmless to humans, and is classified as of “Least Concern” in conservation efforts.
4. Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer
- Scientific Name: Coluber constrictor flaviventris
- Common Name: Eastern yellow-bellied racer
- Size: 30-60 inches (76-152 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, woodlands, and near water sources
- Color: Olive or blue-gray on top, bright yellow belly
- Habitat: Grasslands, woodlands, and near water sources
- Maximum Size: 30-60 inches (76-152 cm)
- Diet: Rodents, frogs, lizards, and birds
- Reproduction: Lay eggs, 6-20 per clutch
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer
Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer Snakelet
Fully-Grown Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer
The Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris) is a medium-sized snake that typically measures 30-60 inches (76-152 cm) in length. It exhibits an olive or blue-gray color on its back and a vibrant yellow belly. Found in grasslands, woodlands, and near water sources, this non-venomous snake is known for its diurnal, fast-moving, and active behavior. Its diet consists of rodents, frogs, lizards, and birds. Reproduction involves laying eggs, with 6-20 per clutch. Its conservation status is presently of least concern.
5. Lined Snake
- Scientific Name: Tropidoclonion lineatum
- Common Name: Lined snake
- Size: Up to 20 inches (51 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, prairies, and urban areas
- Color: Gray or tan with dark stripes
- Habitat: Grasslands, prairies, and urban areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 20 inches (51 cm)
- Diet: Earthworms, slugs, and soft-bodied insects
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 2-12
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Lined Snake
Lined Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Lined Snake
The Lined Snake (Tropidoclonion lineatum) is a small, non-venomous species, growing up to 20 inches (51 cm). It has a gray or tan colored body with dark stripes, adapted to living in grasslands, prairies, and urban areas. Being nocturnal and fossorial, this reptile primarily feeds on earthworms, slugs, and soft-bodied insects. Lined Snakes reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 2-12. With a conservation status of least concern, they remain a thriving species.
6. Northern Red-bellied Snake
- Scientific Name: Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata
- Common Name: Northern red-bellied snake
- Size: Up to 16 inches (40 centimeters)
- Natural Habitat: Deciduous forests, meadows, and wetlands
- Color: Gray or brown with a red or orange underside
- Habitat: Deciduous forests, meadows, and wetlands
- Maximum Size: Up to 16 inches (40 centimeters)
- Diet: Slugs, snails, and earthworms
- Reproduction: Live-bearing, producing 5-20 offspring
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Northern Red-bellied Snake
Northern Red-bellied Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Northern Red-bellied Snake
The Northern Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata) is a small, non-venomous reptile native to the United States. Measuring up to 16 inches (40 centimeters) in length, this species is characterized by its gray or brown coloration with a distinctive red or orange underside. Inhabiting deciduous forests, meadows, and wetlands, the nocturnal, terrestrial creature feeds primarily on slugs, snails, and earthworms. It is live-bearing, giving birth to 5-20 offspring at a time. Currently, the Northern Red-bellied Snake is considered to be of least concern for conservation efforts.
7. Northern Water Snake
- Scientific Name: Nerodia sipedon
- Common Name: Northern water snake
- Size: Up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Aquatic habitats, such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes
- Color: Brown or gray with dark bands or blotches
- Habitat: Aquatic habitats, such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes
- Maximum Size: Up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters)
- Diet: Fish, amphibians, and invertebrates
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 10-30
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Northern Water Snake
Northern Water Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Northern Water Snake
The Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) is a non-venomous reptile that can grow up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) in length. It is characterized by its brown or gray color with dark bands or blotches. This nocturnal and semi-aquatic species can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes. Its diet consists of fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. Northern Water Snakes reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 10-30, and currently have a conservation status of least concern.
8. Pale Milksnake
- Scientific Name: Lampropeltis triangulum multistriata
- Common Name: Pale milksnake
- Size: Up to 30 inches (76 centimeters)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands and prairies, often found in rocky habitats
- Color: White or pale yellow with red or orange blotches
- Habitat: Grasslands and prairies, often found in rocky habitats
- Maximum Size: Up to 30 inches (76 centimeters)
- Diet: Small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-10
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Not evaluated, but considered common within its range
Fully-Grown Pale Milksnake
Pale Milksnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Pale Milksnake
The Pale Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum multistriata) is a non-venomous snake growing up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) in length. Its distinctive coloration includes white or pale yellow scales with red or orange blotches. Preferring grasslands and prairies, it often resides in rocky habitats. Being nocturnal and secretive, this snake primarily feeds on small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Its reproduction involves laying eggs in clutches of 3-10. While the conservation status remains unevaluated, it is considered common within its range.
9. 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.
10. Prairie Ringneck Snake
- Scientific Name: Diadophis punctatus arnyi
- Common Name: Prairie ringneck snake
- Size: 10-15 inches (25-38 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Prairies, grasslands, and woodlands
- Color: Gray or olive with a yellow or orange ring around the neck
- Habitat: Prairies, grasslands, and woodlands
- Maximum Size: 10-15 inches (25-38 cm)
- Diet: Earthworms, slugs, small salamanders, and insects
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-10
- Venom: Weak venom, not dangerous to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Prairie Ringneck Snake
Prairie Ringneck Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Prairie Ringneck Snake
The Prairie Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus arnyi) is a small reptile measuring 10-15 inches (25-38 cm) in length, characterized by its gray or olive coloring and distinctive yellow or orange ring around its neck. These snakes are native to prairies, grasslands, and woodlands, leading a predominantly nocturnal, secretive, and burrow-dwelling lifestyle. Their diet consists of earthworms, slugs, small salamanders, and insects. They lay eggs in clutches of 3-10 and possess weak venom which poses no threat to humans. Currently, their conservation status is listed as “least concern.”
11. Red-sided Garter Snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis
- Common Name: Red-sided garter snake
- Size: Up to 3.3 feet (1 meter)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, and marshy areas
- Color: Red or orange with black spots or stripes
- Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, and marshy areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 3.3 feet (1 meter)
- Diet: Earthworms, slugs, frogs, fish, and small mammals
- Reproduction: Live-bearing, 12-40 offspring per litter
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Red-sided Garter Snake
Red-sided Garter Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Red-sided Garter Snake
The Red-sided Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) is a colorful, non-venomous snake growing up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) in length. It exhibits red or orange coloration accompanied by black spots or stripes. This diurnal snake thrives in grasslands, meadows, and marshy areas, actively hunting in warm weather and hibernating during winter. Its diet consists of earthworms, slugs, frogs, fish, and small mammals. The species is live-bearing, producing 12-40 offspring per litter. Its conservation status is currently listed as least concern.
12. 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.’
13. Wandering Garter Snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis elegans vagrans
- Common Name: Wandering garter snake
- Size: Up to 3.3 feet (1 meter)
- Natural Habitat: Meadows, grasslands, and woodlands near water sources
- Color: Black or dark green with yellow-white stripes
- Habitat: Meadows, grasslands, and woodlands near water sources
- Maximum Size: Up to 3.3 feet (1 meter)
- Diet: Earthworms, amphibians, and fish
- Reproduction: Live-bearing with 4-10 offspring
- Venom: Mild venom, harmless to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Wandering Garter Snake
Wandering Garter Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Wandering Garter Snake
Thamnophis elegans vagrans, commonly known as the Wandering Garter Snake, grows up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) and has a black or dark green color with yellow-white stripes. Inhabiting meadows, grasslands, and woodlands near water sources, these diurnal, terrestrial creatures primarily feed on earthworms, amphibians, and fish. The Wandering Garter Snake is a live-bearing species and produces 4-10 offspring, possesses mild venom harmless to humans, and holds a “Least Concern” conservation status.
14. Western Foxsnake
- Scientific Name: Pantherophis ramspotti
- Common Name: Western foxsnake
- Size: 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, woodlands, and farmlands
- Color: Light brown to golden brown with dark brown to black blotches
- Habitat: Grasslands, woodlands, and farmlands
- Maximum Size: 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters)
- Diet: Rodents, birds, and bird eggs
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 10-20
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Western Foxsnake
Western Foxsnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Western Foxsnake
The Western Foxsnake (Pantherophis ramspotti) is a non-venomous snake species typically measuring 3 to 5 feet in length. Its coloration ranges from light brown to golden brown and is adorned with dark brown to black blotches. Commonly found in grasslands, woodlands, and farmlands, these snakes are mainly nocturnal and exhibit excellent climbing abilities. Their diet consists of rodents, birds, and bird eggs. Western Foxsnakes reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 10 to 20, and their conservation status is listed as Least Concern.
15. Western Hognose Snake
- Scientific Name: Heterodon nasicus
- Common Name: Western hognose snake
- Size: Up to 2.5 feet (0.76 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, prairies, and semi-arid environments
- Color: Brown or tan with dark blotches
- Habitat: Grasslands, prairies, and semi-arid environments
- Maximum Size: Up to 2.5 feet (0.76 meters)
- Diet: Amphibians, particularly toads, as well as small mammals, reptiles, and birds
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 4-23
- Venom: Mildly venomous, rear-fanged, and not considered dangerous to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Western Hognose Snake
Western Hognose Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Western Hognose Snake
The Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus) is a mildly venomous reptile that can grow up to 2.5 feet (0.76 meters) in size. It has a distinct brown or tan color with dark blotches and is known for its characteristic “hognose.” These terrestrial snakes primarily inhabit grasslands, prairies, and semi-arid environments. Being diurnal creatures, their diet consists of amphibians, particularly toads, small mammals, reptiles, and birds. They reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 4-23 and, despite the venom, are not considered dangerous to humans. Their conservation status is of least concern.
16. Western Plains Garter Snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis radix
- Common Name: Western plains garter snake
- Size: Up to 3.3 feet (1 meter)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, and near water sources
- Color: Brown or greenish with black and yellow stripes
- Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, and near water sources
- Maximum Size: Up to 3.3 feet (1 meter)
- Diet: Frogs, toads, fish, and worms
- Reproduction: Give live birth to around 12-70 young
- Venom: Mildly venomous but not dangerous to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Western Plains Garter Snake
Western Plains Garter Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Western Plains Garter Snake
The Western Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix) is a mildly venomous reptile measuring up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) in length. It typically sports brown or greenish hues, adorned with black and yellow stripes. Inhabiting grasslands, meadows, and areas near water sources, these diurnal creatures are most active during warm weather. Their diet includes frogs, toads, fish, and worms. Unlike other species, they give live birth, producing 12-70 offspring. Though mildly venomous, they pose no threat to humans and their conservation status remains ‘Least Concern’.
Nearby States:
Final Words
All the 16 snakes have truly opened our eyes to the fascinating world of snakes found in South Dakota. 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 South Dakota, 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!
What Types of Snakes Can Be Found in Both North and South Dakota?
North and South Dakota are home to various species of snakes. Garter snakes, bull snakes, and prairie rattlesnakes are some of the most commonly found snakes in north dakota. In South Dakota, you can also find these same species of snakes, making the region a habitat for a diverse range of snakes in North Dakota.
