Montana, with its diverse landscapes ranging from mountainous terrain to prairie grasslands, provides habitat for a variety of snake species. Understanding these snakes, their habitats, and behaviors is crucial for both conservation efforts and ensuring safe interactions for residents and visitors alike. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the snakes you might encounter in the Big Sky Country.
Non-Venomous Snakes of Montana
The majority of snakes found in Montana are non-venomous, posing little to no threat to humans. However, it's always best to admire them from a safe distance and avoid handling them.
1. Garter Snakes ( Thamnophis species)
Several species of garter snakes inhabit Montana. These are common, slender snakes easily identified by their distinctive stripes. They are highly adaptable and can be found near water sources, in grasslands, and even in urban areas. Garter snakes primarily feed on amphibians, small fish, and invertebrates.
- Identifying Features: Stripes along the body (often three), relatively small size, and generally docile behavior.
2. Racers ( Coluber species)
Racers are known for their swift movements and sleek bodies. They are typically slender and long, often exhibiting a uniform color. These active snakes are excellent climbers and can be found in a variety of habitats. Their diet consists mainly of rodents, lizards, and other small animals.
- Identifying Features: Long, slender body, smooth scales, and rapid movements. Often a single, uniform color (though variations exist).
3. Bullsnakes ( Pituophis catenifer )
Also known as gophersnakes, bullsnakes are large, non-venomous constrictors. They are often mistaken for rattlesnakes due to their size and tendency to hiss loudly when threatened. However, they lack rattles and are harmless to humans. They play a beneficial role in controlling rodent populations.
- Identifying Features: Large size, often with blotches or patterns on the back, and a blunt, upturned snout. Known for their loud hissing.
4. Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus)
The Western Hognose snake is a fascinating creature known for its unique defensive behavior. When threatened, it often plays dead, turning onto its back and exhibiting dramatic gasping movements. While they possess mild venom, they are rear-fanged and pose little threat to humans. They feed mostly on toads.
- Identifying Features: Up-turned snout, blotchy pattern, and distinctive defensive behavior of playing dead.
Venomous Snakes of Montana
While the vast majority of Montana's snakes are harmless, there are a few venomous species to be aware of.
1. Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis)
The Prairie Rattlesnake is the only venomous snake commonly found throughout Montana. They are pit vipers, identifiable by their heat-sensing pits located between the eye and nostril. Their bite can be dangerous, causing pain, swelling, and potentially more serious complications. Encountering one warrants immediate attention from medical professionals.
- Identifying Features: Rattle at the end of the tail, triangular head, heat-sensing pits between eye and nostril, and typically a mottled brown or grey pattern.
Safety Precautions When Encountering Snakes in Montana
- Maintain a safe distance: Avoid approaching or handling any snake, regardless of whether it's venomous or not.
- Wear appropriate footwear: Hiking boots provide protection from snake bites.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Watch where you step and place your hands.
- Never try to kill a snake: Snakes play a vital role in the ecosystem. Relocation efforts should be handled by professionals.
- Seek immediate medical attention if bitten: If bitten by a rattlesnake, remain calm, remove any jewelry or restrictive clothing, and get to a hospital as quickly as possible.
This guide provides a general overview. For detailed identification, consult field guides specific to Montana's snake fauna. Remember, responsible appreciation of Montana's wildlife includes respecting their space and ensuring both human and animal safety.
