When hiking through Wyoming’s diverse landscapes, you might wonder about the snakes you could encounter. Many outdoor enthusiasts worry specifically about venomous species like coral snakes. There are no coral snakes in Wyoming. Despite what some might believe, these colorful and venomous reptiles don’t inhabit the Cowboy State.
Wyoming is home to only two venomous snake species – the Prairie rattlesnake and the Yellow rattlesnake.
The state has about 13 snake species total, with most being harmless to humans. You might encounter non-venomous snakes like milk snakes, which are sometimes confused with coral snakes due to their similar red, black, and yellow coloration.
When exploring Wyoming’s wilderness, it’s still important to know how to identify the snakes you might encounter.
While coral snakes with their distinctive pattern of “red touching yellow” aren’t a concern in Wyoming, you should familiarize yourself with the native snake species that call this state home.
This knowledge helps ensure your outdoor adventures remain safe and enjoyable.
Are There Coral Snakes In Wyoming?
No, coral snakes are not found in Wyoming. Despite the diverse snake population in the state, coral snakes do not live in Wyoming’s climate and ecosystem.
Wyoming is home to about 15 native snake species, but only 2 of these are venomous. These venomous snakes are both rattlesnake species, not coral snakes.
The venomous snakes you need to watch for in Wyoming are:
- Prairie Rattlesnake
- Midget Faded Rattlesnake (Yellow Rattlesnake)
You might wonder about colorful snakes you see in Wyoming. The Western Milksnake lives in Wyoming and has red, black, and yellow/white bands that look similar to a coral snake.
However, this is a case of mimicry, not an actual coral snake. Remember the rhyme for telling the difference: “If red touches yellow, you’re a dead fellow; if red touches black, you’re all right, Jack.”
This helps distinguish venomous coral snakes from non-venomous lookalikes like the milksnake. Coral snakes primarily live in the southeastern United States and parts of the southwest. Their range doesn’t extend as far north as Wyoming.
When hiking or exploring Wyoming’s outdoors, you should be aware of the rattlesnakes that do live there, but you don’t need to worry about encountering coral snakes.
Snakes In Wyoming That Look Like Coral Snakes
Wyoming is home to 15 native snake species, but true coral snakes are not among them. However, some Wyoming snakes might be mistaken for coral snakes due to their coloration patterns.
The most common coral snake look-alike you might encounter in Wyoming is the Plains Hognose Snake. This non-venomous snake has variable coloration that can sometimes include reddish or orange patterns on its body.
Another Wyoming resident that might cause confusion is the Ground Snake. These small snakes sometimes display reddish coloration on their undersides that can fade from pale yellow or cream to coral red toward the tail.
Remember the rhyme that helps distinguish true coral snakes from harmless mimics: “Red on black, friend of Jack. Red on yellow, kill a fellow.”
This saying refers to how coral snakes have red bands bordered by yellow bands, while many look-alikes have red bands bordered by black.
Wyoming’s only venomous snakes are rattlesnakes, specifically the Prairie Rattlesnake and the Western Rattlesnake. These pose a real danger but look nothing like coral snakes. When hiking or exploring Wyoming’s diverse landscapes, always maintain a safe distance from any snake you encounter.
Even non-venomous snakes can bite if they feel threatened. For your safety, it’s best to learn to identify the specific snake species in your area rather than relying solely on color patterns.
