Snakes in Wyoming: Cowboy State Rope & Reptiles
Did you know that Wyoming is home to a surprisingly diverse array of slithering serpents? It’s true, you can find around 15 different species throughout the state, and we’re here to share our knowledge with you.
Whether you’re a professional herpetologist or just a curious adventurer, Wyoming’s vast wilderness offers plenty of opportunities to observe these often misunderstood creatures up close and personal.
So, grab a comfy spot, and let’s dive into the world of these fascinating reptiles that call Wyoming their home. Who knows, you might even change your mind about being terrified of some them!
| # | Name | Details | Image |
| 1 | Black Hills Red-Bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata pahasapensis) |
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| 2 | Black Racer (Coluber constrictor constrictor) |
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| 3 | Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi) |
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| 4 | Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) |
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| 5 | Midget Faded Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus concolor) |
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| 6 | Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) |
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| 7 | Pale Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum multistriata) |
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| 8 | Plains Black-headed Snake (Tantilla nigriceps) |
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| 9 | Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix) |
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| 10 | Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) |
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| 11 | Red-sided Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) |
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| 12 | Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis) |
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| 13 | Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus) |
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| 14 | Wandering Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans vagrans) |
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| 15 | Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris) |
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15 Snakes You Can Find in Wyoming
In the state of Wyoming, 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 Wyoming, 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 Wyoming typically gives birth to 3-8 offspring per litter. Current conservation status has not been evaluated.
2. Black Racer
- Scientific Name: Coluber constrictor constrictor
- Common Name: Black racer
- Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas
- Color: Solid black with white chin
- Habitat: Various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Diet: Rodents, lizards, frogs, and insects
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 12-30
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Black Racer
Black Racer Snakelet
Fully-Grown Black Racer
The Black Racer (Coluber constrictor constrictor) is a non-venomous snake species of Wyoming reaching up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length, featuring a solid black coloration and a striking white chin. It thrives in an array of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. As a diurnal and swift-moving snake, it feeds on rodents, lizards, frogs, and insects. They reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 12-30, and are currently designated as a species of least concern in terms of conservation status.
3. 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 Wyoming.
4. 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.
5. Midget Faded Rattlesnake
- Scientific Name: Crotalus oreganus concolor
- Common Name: Midget faded rattlesnake
- Size: Up to 30 inches (76 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Rocky slopes, sagebrush deserts, and grasslands
- Color: Light gray or tan with faded blotches
- Habitat: Rocky slopes, sagebrush deserts, and grasslands
- Maximum Size: Up to 30 inches (76 cm)
- Diet: Small mammals, lizards, and birds
- Reproduction: Lays eggs in clutches of 4-6
- Venom: Venomous, with hemotoxic venom
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Midget Faded Rattlesnake
Midget Faded Rattlesnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Midget Faded Rattlesnake
The Midget Faded Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus concolor) is a small, venomous snake growing up to 30 inches (76 cm) long. It has a light gray or tan coloration with faded blotches, making it well camouflaged in its habitat of rocky slopes, sagebrush deserts, and grasslands. The snake is nocturnal and terrestrial, preying on small mammals, lizards, and birds. It reproduces by laying eggs in clutches of 4-6, and its venom contains hemotoxins. The conservation status is currently 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. 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.
8. Plains Black-headed Snake
- Scientific Name: Tantilla nigriceps
- Common Name: Plains black-headed snake
- Size: 7-15 inches (18-38 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Desert scrub, grasslands, and woodlands
- Color: Gray or light brown with a black head
- Habitat: Desert scrub, grasslands, and woodlands
- Maximum Size: 7-15 inches (18-38 cm)
- Diet: Insects, centipedes, and spiders
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in small clutches
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Plains Black-headed Snake
Plains Black-headed Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Plains Black-headed Snake
The Plains Black-headed Snake (Tantilla nigriceps) is a small, non-venomous reptile, measuring 7-15 inches (18-38 cm) in length. It is characterized by its gray or light brown coloration and distinctive black head. This nocturnal and burrowing snake inhabits desert scrub, grasslands, and woodlands, where it primarily feeds on insects, centipedes, and spiders. Reproduction involves laying eggs in small clutches. Despite its unique appearance, it is currently classified as a species of least concern in terms of conservation.
9. 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.
10. 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.
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. 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 Wyoming. 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.”
14. 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.
15. Yellow-bellied Racer
- Scientific Name: Coluber constrictor flaviventris
- Common Name: Yellow-bellied racer
- Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, forests, and scrublands
- Color: Olive green to blue-gray dorsally and bright yellow on the ventral side
- Habitat: Grasslands, forests, and scrublands
- Maximum Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, lizards, insects and other invertebrates
- Reproduction: Oviparous, lay clutches of 5 to 50 eggs
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Yellow-bellied Racer
Yellow-bellied Racer Snakelet
Fully-Grown Yellow-bellied Racer
The Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris) is a non-venomous snake that can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. It features an olive green to blue-gray back with a bright yellow belly, providing its descriptive common name. These diurnal reptiles inhabit grasslands, forests, and scrublands of Wyoming, actively foraging during the day for a diet that includes small mammals, birds, lizards, and invertebrates. As an oviparous species, they lay clutches of 5 to 50 eggs. Currently, their conservation status is listed as Least Concern.
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Final Words
All the 15 snakes have truly opened our eyes to the fascinating world of snakes found in Wyoming. 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 Wyoming, 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 Wyoming Compared to Colorado?
In Wyoming, you can find a variety of snakes in the wild, including the bullsnake, garter snake, and prairie rattlesnake. Similarly, in Colorado, a range of snakes such as the bullsnake, garter snake, and prairie rattlesnake dwell in the Rocky Mountain region. These snakes in colorado rocky mountain reptiles are an essential part of the ecosystem.
