Large open areas and breathtaking sites, such as the Glacier National Park, a massive reserve spanning into Canada, are some of Montana’s most well-known features.
Of course, if you intend to visit the Big Sky State, you might be concerned about the types of snakes in Montana and whether they are dangerous.
In Montana, there is only one venomous species of snake to be concerned about: the prairie rattlesnake.
Fortunately, every other type of snake in Montana is safe for people to handle, and most are kept as pets.
If you choose to keep one of these types of snakes as a pet, always buy from a breeder and avoid specimens taken from the wild.
Let’s get started on our post list of types of snakes in Montana.
1. Prairie Rattlesnake
The Grass Although they can be found all around Montana, rattlesnakes favor the grasslands and wooded highlands.
The Prairies rattlesnakes, starting our list of types of snakes in Montana, have little rings at the end of their tails that rattle when they collide.
Their heads are triangular and flat, and their bodies are light brown with dark oval patches with short white borders. Their belly is either cream or pale yellow.
They have retractable hollow fangs, like all vipers, which they use to sever their prey’s nerves.
They are normally not hostile and will not attack humans unless provoked, although they can bite humans fatally; this is unusual.
2. Common Garter Snake
The Common Garter Snake is also a type of snake in Montana. Its peaceful nature and relatively tiny size make it a popular pet.
The Garter species are among the most widely distributed, occurring in 48 states across the United States.
Although their color can vary greatly, black, olive, brown, and gray are the most typical colors.
Nearly all of them will have a distinctive trio of yellow stripes spanning the length of their bodies.
Despite their moderate venom, garter snakes are not dangerous to people. They hardly ever bite unless provoked; when they do, the bite site only gets somewhat inflamed and swollen.
3. Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Because of its easy maintenance requirements and varied diet, Garter snakes such as the Western Terrestrial Garter snakes are frequently kept as pets.
They will devour small mammals and amphibians and consume birds, snails, and even other snakes; thus, keeping them together in captivity is not advised.
The majority of these types of snakes in Montana have a broad stripe down their spine that is either yellow or pale orange in color. Two smaller stripes on either side are frequently separated by black or red dots.
Although they do not represent a threat to humans and are generally not aggressive unless threatened, they are among the most venomous members of the Garter genus.
4. Plains Garter Snake
The Plains Garter is a common pet for novices because it is a small, calm, slightly venomous snake.
All Garter snakes have a characteristic yellow dorsal stripe, usually with two lighter stripes on either side.
These types of snakes in Montana are usually black or greenish-brown in color. Though they can sometimes be found in urban settings, they are typically found near ponds, streams, and other small bodies of water.
They usually consume worms, snails, and small amphibians, but occasionally, they might even consume small birds.
5. Northern Rubber Boa
Northern Rubber Boas are popular pet snakes because they move slowly and gently. However, they are difficult to care for and not for novices.
They are named for their rubber-like, soft skin, which they share with their consistently tan or gray body and pale yellow belly.
These types of snakes in Montana are frequently used to assist individuals in getting over their fear of snakes because they are incredibly docile and non-venomous.
They are ubiquitous in habitats ranging from plains to woods. They usually prey on small mammals such as mice and birds and, infrequently, other snakes.
6. Plains Hognose Snake
The Plains Hognose snake’s kind disposition and ease of handling make it a popular companion in the pet trade. Their body is light brown to tan, with darker brown stripes running down their back.
They have a distinctive short nose, which gives them their name. These types of snakes in Montana rarely bite, are usually not hostile, and are non-venomous, meaning they pose no threat to humans.
They consume a wide range of amphibians, small animals, and even insects and are relatively easy to care for in captivity.
7. Western Milk Snake
Western milk snakes are next on our list of Montana snake types. Similar in appearance to the dangerous Coral Snake, the Western Milk Snake has alternate bands of red, yellow, and black spanning the length of its body.
But they are generally amiable snakes that hardly ever bite humans. They are also non-venomous and harmless.
In their natural habitat, these types of snakes prefer thickly forested areas, although they can also be found in agricultural fields where they feed on small mammals like mice and birds.
They are popular pets because of their lovely beauty and submissive disposition.
8. Gopher Snake
Because they are not poisonous, gopher snakes are excellent pets for novices.
Because their long, muscular bodies can seem intimidating, although they rarely bite people and are safe.
Their color is yellowish-tan, with bright yellow bellies and darker brown, occasionally red, markings down the length of their bodies.
Their name comes from their preference for eating small rodents. However, they have also been known to eat eggs and small birds.
9. North America Racer
North American Racers are not the best types of snakes in Montana to have as pets because they are little, calm, and extremely swift snakes that dislike handling.
They have a small head, a pale gray belly, and a black or bluish-black color.
These snakes are harmless to humans despite their fairly intimidating look, surprising speed, and defensive attitude when threatened.
They search for their preferred prey, which includes small rodents, lizards, and occasionally even birds and their eggs, during the day when they are most active.
10. Slender Green Snake
A green snake ends our list of snake types in Montana. Because they mostly eat small insects, spiders, and worms and don’t require mice as food, smooth green snakes are small and simple to care for.
Though they are sometimes maintained as pets, they generally do not make ideal pets since they are skittish, dislike touching, and like calm environments.
They usually have small, beady eyes, a pale green belly, and a bright, vivid green color.
They are in woodlands, and their preferred wet, grassy habitats, marshes and meadows.
