Are There Rattlesnakes in North Dakota?
No, rattlesnakes are not found in North Dakota. The state lies far north of the range where any rattlesnake species naturally lives. North Dakota's northern latitude and harsh winters make it unsuitable for rattlesnakes to survive year round. Residents and visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and outdoor activities throughout the state without any concern about rattlesnakes.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 21, 2026.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake 路 Scott Allen Davis CC BY
Panamint Rattlesnake 路 Matt Berger CC BY
Red Diamond Rattlesnake 路 Amy Huie CC BY
- 1
- species recorded
- June, July, August
- peak months
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
98 verified observations on iNaturalist of rattlesnake have been recorded in North Dakota, most often in June, July, August.
When rattlesnake are recorded in North Dakota
No, rattlesnakes are not found in North Dakota. The state lies far north of the range where any rattlesnake species naturally lives. North Dakota's northern latitude and harsh winters make it unsuitable for rattlesnakes to survive year round. Residents and visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and outdoor activities throughout the state without any concern about rattlesnakes.
Are they in North Dakota?
No, rattlesnakes are not found in North Dakota. The state has no established population of any rattlesnake species. Prairie rattlesnakes live in South Dakota and throughout the Great Plains to the south and west, but they do not occur in North Dakota. The nearest populations of prairie rattlesnakes are in South Dakota, Wyoming, and eastern Montana. North Dakota's location at the northern edge of the Great Plains, combined with its harsh winters and short growing season, makes the state unsuitable for rattlesnakes to survive. No breeding population of rattlesnakes exists in North Dakota. Residents have never needed to worry about encountering rattlesnakes in the wild. For comprehensive information, visit ourRattlesnake in North Dakotaguide.
How dangerous is it?
Since rattlesnakes do not live in North Dakota, the risk of a bite is zero. Understanding the danger of rattlesnake bites is helpful if you travel to other states, but it is not relevant to outdoor activities in North Dakota. In regions where prairie rattlesnakes do live to the south, bites are uncommon, and deaths are extremely rare with prompt medical treatment. A bite would require emergency care and antivenom. North Dakota does have several harmless snake species, and bites from any North Dakota snake are extremely rare and are typically not serious. Residents of North Dakota can enjoy all outdoor activities without fear of rattlesnakes. For more on rattlesnake in North Dakota, see ourNorth Dakota rattlesnake guide.
How to recognize one
If you travel south to states where rattlesnakes live, it is helpful to know what they look like. Prairie rattlesnakes, the closest rattlesnake species to North Dakota, are large, heavy bodied snakes with triangular heads. They are usually tan or gray with dark bands or blotches running the length of their bodies. A distinctive rattle at the tail tip produces a buzzing sound when vibrated. Rattlesnakes have heat sensing pits along their lower jaw that help them locate prey. However, in North Dakota, you will not encounter these snakes in the wild. The snakes you find in North Dakota are harmless species with different characteristics. You can also browseNorth Dakota wildlife.
What to do if you are bitten or stung
If bitten by any snake in North Dakota, which is extremely unlikely, stay calm and remove any rings or bracelets from the affected hand or arm. Keep the bitten area still and below heart level. Seek medical attention promptly. Do not attempt to capture or kill the snake. Do not apply ice, tourniquets, or try to cut the wound. This is general information, not medical advice; if you are bitten, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if symptoms are severe. Since no venomous snakes live in North Dakota, any bite would be from a harmless species and would cause minimal injury. Prompt medical evaluation is always the safest approach. See all of ourwildlife guides.
How to prevent encounters
While you do not need to worry about rattlesnakes in North Dakota, general snake safety practices are still good habits. Wear closed toe shoes when hiking or spending time in prairie or grassland areas. Watch where you place your hands and feet, especially near tall grass or brush. Keep brush and debris cleared from around your home. Seal gaps under doors and around building foundations. Remove rodent populations from your property, as they attract snakes. Do not intentionally handle any snake you encounter. If you see a snake while hiking or at home, simply move away and give it space. Most North Dakota snakes are beneficial and help control pest populations.
Where in North Dakota and when
Rattlesnakes are not found anywhere in North Dakota. The nearest wild populations of prairie rattlesnakes live in South Dakota, particularly in the western and southern portions of that state, and in Wyoming, Montana, and other Great Plains states to the west and south. These distant populations are the only rattlesnakes near North Dakota. North Dakota's northern location, combined with its harsh winters, extreme cold, and short growing season, makes it unsuitable for rattlesnakes. The state has never had an established rattlesnake population in recorded history. ExploreNorth Dakota wildlifeto learn about the actual species you may encounter in the state, including many harmless snakes.
Harmless lookalikes
North Dakota has several harmless snake species that residents may encounter. Garter snakes are common and small, with light stripes running along their bodies. Bull snakes are large and powerful but are completely harmless. When threatened, bullsnakes may flatten their bodies, hiss, and strike, mimicking a rattlesnake's behavior and startling people. Racer snakes and gopher snakes are other harmless species found in North Dakota. The vast majority of snakes in the state are beneficial and pose no threat to humans. The snake you find in North Dakota is virtually certain to be harmless. Learning to identify local species removes unnecessary fear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any venomous snakes in North Dakota? No, there are no venomous snakes in North Dakota. Can I encounter a rattlesnake in North Dakota? No, rattlesnakes do not live in the state. What snakes might I see while hiking in North Dakota? You might see garter snakes, bullsnakes, or other harmless species. Should I be afraid of snakes while exploring North Dakota? No, snakes pose no threat in the state. Are outdoor activities in North Dakota safe from snake bites? Yes, you can safely enjoy all outdoor activities. For more information, explore ourNorth Dakota wildlife guideand learn about the actual species in your region.
Plan your trip
Best time to see rattlesnake in North Dakota: June, July, August
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Are they in North Dakota?+
No, rattlesnakes are not found in North Dakota. The state has no established population of any rattlesnake species. Prairie rattlesnakes live in South Dakota and throughout the Great Plains to the south and west, but they do not occur in North Dakota. The nearest populations of prairie rattlesnakes are in South Dakota, Wyoming, and eastern Montana. North Dakota's location at the northern edge of the Great Plains, combined with its harsh winters and short growing season, makes the state unsuitable for rattlesnakes to survive. No breeding population of rattlesnakes exists in North Dakota. Residents have never needed to worry about encountering rattlesnakes in the wild. For comprehensive information, visit ourRattlesnake in North Dakotaguide.
How dangerous is it?+
Since rattlesnakes do not live in North Dakota, the risk of a bite is zero. Understanding the danger of rattlesnake bites is helpful if you travel to other states, but it is not relevant to outdoor activities in North Dakota. In regions where prairie rattlesnakes do live to the south, bites are uncommon, and deaths are extremely rare with prompt medical treatment. A bite would require emergency care and antivenom. North Dakota does have several harmless snake species, and bites from any North Dakota snake are extremely rare and are typically not serious. Residents of North Dakota can enjoy all outdoor activities without fear of rattlesnakes. For more on rattlesnake in North Dakota, see ourNorth Dakota rattlesnake guide.
More wildlife in North Dakota