Montana’s diverse landscapes are home to various wildlife, including snakes. For those exploring the outdoors, understanding which rattlesnake species inhabit Montana and how to interact safely with them is important.
Montana’s Only Rattlesnake Species
Montana is home to only one venomous snake species, the Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis). Its coloration ranges from pale green to brown, featuring dark blotches along its back. The underside is pale yellow to white.
Prairie Rattlesnakes have a triangular-shaped head with a blunt snout and a narrow neck. A heat-sensing pit is located between each nostril and eye, aiding in prey detection. Their eyes are elliptical, similar to a cat’s. The most identifiable feature is the rattle at the end of their tail, a structure unique among Montana’s native snakes. Adults measure between 15 and 60 inches, with some exceeding 3.9 feet.
These snakes are widely distributed across Montana, found below elevations of 6,500 feet. They favor open, arid environments such as prairies and badlands, but also inhabit ponderosa pine stands, mixed grass-coniferous forests, and areas with rocky outcrops. They also inhabit river valleys. Prairie Rattlesnakes are active from April through September. They are diurnal in cooler conditions, basking in the morning sun to regulate their body temperature, but become nocturnal during hotter periods to avoid overheating.
Prairie Rattlesnakes are ambush predators, feeding on rodents and small mammals like mice, ground squirrels, rabbits, and prairie dogs. They also consume amphibians, other reptiles, and even other snakes. These snakes hibernate communally in dens, utilizing rocky crevices or abandoned burrows, emerging in spring. While not aggressive, they will defend themselves if threatened or provoked, and most bites occur when individuals attempt to handle them or accidentally step on them.
Staying Safe Around Rattlesnakes
Encountering a rattlesnake can be startling, but adopting preventative measures significantly reduces risk. When outdoors, wearing appropriate footwear, such as boots that extend above the ankle, and long pants can offer a layer of protection. Remain observant of your surroundings, watching where you step and avoiding placing hands into areas you cannot visually inspect, like dense brush, rock piles, or logs. Staying on established trails further minimizes unexpected encounters. For pets, keeping dogs on a leash in snake habitats is a precaution.
If you encounter a rattlesnake, the most appropriate response is to remain calm and create distance. Snakes do not pursue people; instead, they retreat if given space. Maintain a safe distance of at least 10 to 20 feet and slowly back away. It is important to avoid provoking the snake, attempting to move it, or trying to kill it, as these actions significantly increase the likelihood of a bite.
In the event of a rattlesnake bite, immediate medical attention is necessary. Call 911 or the local emergency number as quickly as possible. While awaiting medical help, remain calm and move away from the snake to prevent further bites. Remove any constricting items such as rings, watches, or tight clothing from the bitten area, as swelling can occur rapidly. Keep the bitten limb immobilized and positioned below the heart level to help slow the spread of venom.
Gently wash the wound with soap and water if available. It is important to avoid common but harmful first aid practices like cutting the wound, sucking out venom, applying ice, or using a tourniquet, as these actions can cause more damage or accelerate venom absorption. Similarly, avoid consuming alcohol or caffeine. If possible, try to remember the snake’s appearance to help medical professionals, but do not risk further injury by trying to capture or kill it.