The vast lands of the state of Montana, the prairies, and the amazing weather are some features that promote the existence of snakes in the region. It is one of the best locations where you can see different snake species that call the state home. Ten snake species are native to the state of Montana, while others come from the neighboring states and provinces.
Let’s have a look at the snakes in the state of Montana!
Table of Contents
Common Garter Snake
The common garter snake is a species that you can find in the state of Montana. You will see them in a wide range of areas. They can grow up to 5 feet long. They remain calm during the night, but they are very active during the day. You will find them soaking in the sun during the day.
The garter snakes can be docile. They can be dangerous because they can bite whenever they are cornered.
Common garter snakes usually come in different colors, such as brown, black, and olive green with a yellow stripe running throughout the length of their body.
These creatures usually consume creatures such as toads, frogs, slugs, worms, leeches, and even other snakes. They are immune to some of the toxic venom that is common in these creatures. The snakes can transfer that venom to the victim if they consume it or bite immediately.
Bull-snake
These are some of the snakes that are very huge across Montana. They can grow up to 6 feet long. They come in different colors such as light brown, beige, yellow, black, brown. They have blotches in different parts of the body.
Further reading: Dangerous animals in Montana
You can find these snakes in various regions in Montana, especially in the prairies and the grassland areas. They also inhabit the brushlands, savannas, and grasslands. These snakes usually attack and they constrict their prey effectively. When you find them, it is important that you stay far away from them because they can be very defensive.
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
The western terrestrial garter snake is a unique species that you can find in the state of Montana. They are unique because they grow up to 41 inches in length, and they can live up to 12 years.
These snakes usually consume leeches, fish, toads, mice, rats, slugs, and birds. They are mostly known as cannibals because they can consume other snakes as well.
Although these snakes are not venomous, they usually have slightly venomous saliva and it is known to have anticoagulating properties. That means that when they bite, the victim will continue to bleed profusely for some time.
You can find these snakes near the bodies of water. They inhabit mountain lakes, meadows, woodlands, grassy areas, and other wetland areas. The western terrestrial garter snakes comes in different colors, such as brown, gray, and black.
Further reading: Dangerous animals in Utah
Smooth Green Snake
The smooth green snake is one species that you can easily find across Montana. They can grow up to 20 inches and they can live up to six years.
Its diet consists of ants, moths, spiders, snails, slugs, worms, caterpillars, frogs, and toads.
They inhabit places such as meadows, marshes, stream edges, and open wood. These snakes usually like to inhabit areas where it is grassy and moist. Just as the name indicates, they are known for the popular color, bright green.
Plain Garter Snake
The plain garter snakes can grow up to 28 inches and live up to 8 years. These are nonvenomous snakes. They come in colors such as black, grey, and tan, and they usually have a yellow strip along their side.
Plain garter snakes consume species such as fish, toads, frogs, mice, and rats. They usually thrive in most environments, such as the grassy areas and the areas closer to streams and lakes in Montana. While these snakes are nonvenomous, they can carry large amounts of bacteria, which can cause severe infections.
Further reading: Dangerous animals in Idaho
Prairie Rattlesnake
The prairie rattlesnakes are some of the most dangerous snakes that you can find in the state of Montana. They can grow up to 60 inches long and live up to 20 years in the wild. They live in different places across the different states in the region, including Kansas, Arizona, and Delaware.
Prairie rattlesnakes are venomous pit vipers and they can cause fatalities whenever they feel threatened. They come in different colors such as yellowish-brown, olive grey and darker colors.
These are carnivorous creatures and they usually consume rabbits, squirrels, rodents, birds, and prairie dogs. They also consume other snakes and amphibians. Their venom is highly potent, which can affect the central nervous system and the blood.
Western Milk Snake
The western milk snake is a snake species that is in the family of kingsnakes. People often confuse it with the dangerous coral snakes. They can grow up to 52 inches long and they are unique species that you will only find in this region.
The western milk snake comes in different colors, such as pale yellow, red, and black bands that usually form around the length of their body. These bands can appear as spots at times.
These snakes usually prefer to live in barns, agricultural fields, and rock outcroppings. They consume a wide array of species such as mice, lizards, reptile eggs, and insects.
Further reading: Dangerous animals in Wyoming
Gopher Snake
The gopher snake can grow up to 9 feet long and is one of the biggest snakes in the state of Montana. These snakes can live for over 15 years.
The gopher snake requires a large space because they are larger snakes. They usually come in different colors, ranging from dark brown, grey, and black–with reddish-brown spots that line their body.
These snakes are usually docile unless they are threatened. Their diet consists of toads, frogs, toads, and salamanders. These snakes are unique because you can find them in a wide array of areas such as brushlands, coniferous forests, woodlands, modified land, and prairies.
Plains Hognose Snake
The plain hognose snake is one of the unique snakes in the state of Montana. They usually grow up to 25 inches long and live up to 15 years. These snakes are relatively small and they have a tiny snout; this is where the name comes from.
These snakes are nonvenomous and have a wormlike appearance. They are usually light yellow or tan. They prefer environments with abundance of stones and rocks and areas where they can burrow.
These snakes consume even the most poisonous species. They can also consume insects, birds, lizards, and salamanders.
Northern Black Racer
The North American racer is a unique snake in the state of Montana. They can grow up to from 20 to 66 inches in length and can live for 10 years.
These snakes are slender and very versatile. They are not venomous, and are called the racers because they have impeccable speed. These snakes can defend themselves and they can be very dangerous.
They come in different colors, such as silvery-grey and metallic-looking electric blue. Some of these snakes come with a pale-yellow color with a white underside as well, and you can find some with black tongues.
They can transfer a huge number of bacteria, which could cause fatalities or dangerous infections.
Northern Rubber Boa
The northern rubber boa is another species that you will find in the state of Montana. They can grow up to 33 inches long and live up to 30 years. These snakes usually get their name because they have rubbery skin. They come in different colors, such as tan, brown, and grey.
They also have a very shiny skin, and their head is uniform to the rest of the girth. The northern rubber boas consume a wide array of creatures, such as lizards, mice, rats, toads, and frogs. You can encounter them in desert lands, prairies, and even the coniferous forests.
Valley Garter Snake
The valley garter snake is another species that you will can encounter in the state of Montana. They can grow up to 55 inches and come in different colors ranging from black, brown, and grey; with three yellow stripes that run along their bodies. These snakes inhabit different areas, such as scrublands, wetlands, forests, rocky areas, shorelines, and fields.
These snakes adapt to the environment where humans live, and are often encountered in the urban areas as well. You can find them under rocks, logs, and other objects where they usually try to regulate their body temperatures.
They consume a wide range of creatures such as crayfish, toads, frogs, and lizards.
