Wyoming is home to various snake species, adapted to its diverse landscapes. The state’s snake population includes both non-venomous and venomous types. Understanding which species inhabit Wyoming and how to interact with them respectfully contributes to human safety and the conservation of these creatures.
Wyoming’s Diverse Snake Population
Wyoming hosts 14 to 16 native snake species, with the majority being non-venomous. These snakes occupy various habitats across the state, from grasslands and forests to aquatic environments. Many play an important role in controlling rodent and insect populations, contributing to the health of their ecosystems.
Among the most commonly encountered non-venomous snakes are several garter snake species, including the wandering, plains, red-sided, and valley garter snakes. These are often found near water sources, feeding on small fish, frogs, slugs, and worms. Bullsnakes are another prevalent non-venomous species, often mistaken for rattlesnakes due to their similar coloration and defensive hissing. These constrictors prey on rodents, birds, and other small mammals, inhabiting prairies, grasslands, and forest edges. Other non-venomous species include the smooth greensnake, known for its bright green coloration and preference for grassy, wet areas, and the plains hognose snake, identifiable by its upturned snout used for digging.
Understanding Wyoming’s Rattlesnakes
Wyoming is home to two venomous snake species: the prairie rattlesnake and the midget faded rattlesnake. The prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) is the more widespread, found across most of the state’s lower elevations and east of the Continental Divide. These pit vipers range from 3.3 to 5 feet in length and exhibit variable coloration, often greenish-gray, olive green, or light brown, with dark blotches along their bodies that turn into rings near the tail. They possess a triangular head, vertical pupils, and heat-sensing pits between their eyes and nostrils, which aid in hunting.
Prairie rattlesnakes inhabit diverse environments, including open prairies, grasslands, semi-desert shrublands, and forested areas, found at elevations up to 9,500 feet. They hibernate communally in underground dens like rock crevices, caves, or mammal burrows, often returning to the same den each winter. When threatened, they coil their bodies and vibrate their tail to produce a characteristic buzzing sound as a warning before striking. Their diet consists of small mammals like ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and rabbits. The midget faded rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus concolor) has a much more restricted range, primarily found in the lower Green River Valley area, and is recognized for its potent neurotoxic venom.
Coexisting with Snakes
Coexisting with snakes in Wyoming involves awareness and respectful behavior. Snakes, including rattlesnakes, are reclusive and prefer to avoid human contact. They strike only when they feel threatened, cornered, or startled. Maintaining a safe distance is important when encountering any snake; if a snake is observed, quietly backing away and allowing it to retreat is the recommended action.
Snakes play a significant role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling rodent populations, which can help limit the spread of tick-borne diseases. To minimize encounters around homes, keep yards tidy by clearing debris, woodpiles, and tall grass, as these provide ideal hiding spots for snakes and their prey. Sealing cracks and openings around foundations can also prevent snakes from entering structures. When hiking or spending time outdoors in snake country, wearing sturdy boots and long pants, and staying on marked trails, can reduce the risk of accidental encounters. Avoid placing hands or feet in areas that cannot be seen, such as under logs or in dense brush.