Snakes in North Dakota in June

Yes, June is one of the best months to see snakes in North Dakota. It is the 1st busiest month of the year, with 248 of the 919 sightings logged across the year (27%), based on verified iNaturalist records.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

Greater Short-horned Lizard photographed in North DakotaPrairie Skink photographed in North DakotaPrairie Rattlesnake photographed in North Dakota
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Peak month for snakes in North Dakota

27%

of yearly sightings

248

records in June

#1

busiest month of 12

919

verified records a year

May 17.6%, June 27%, July 23.1%. Busiest month is June at 27%.

Best months: June, July, MayPeak season right now

919 verified observations of snakes in North Dakota, recorded across 9 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When snakes are recorded in North Dakota

Peak month

June

248 records (27% of the year)

Quietest month

January

No verified records

MonthObservationsShare
January00%
February00%
March40.4%
April222.4%
Maypeak16217.6%
Junepeak24827%
Julypeak21223.1%
August13614.8%
September10911.9%
October232.5%
November30.3%
December00%

Snakes you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Plains Garter Snake219
Gopher Snake199
Prairie Rattlesnake95
North American Racer77
Greater Short-horned Lizard76
Common Sagebrush Lizard75
Smooth Greensnake67
Red-bellied Snake39

In North Dakota, June carries 27% of the year's snakes sightings, about 18.7 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 1st busiest of the twelve months, out of 9 months with recorded activity.

Activity is rising from May (17.6%) into June, and it heads toward July (23.1%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so June is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.

The snakes most often recorded in North Dakota are Plains Garter Snake, Gopher Snake and Prairie Rattlesnake. Those counts are annual totals rather than a June split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in June itself.

Which snakes you are most likely to see

  • Plains Garter Snake219 records
  • Gopher Snake199 records
  • Prairie Rattlesnake95 records
  • North American Racer77 records
  • Greater Short-horned Lizard76 records
  • Common Sagebrush Lizard75 records
Plan your tripKnife River Indian Villages National Historic Site

Plan your snake trip in North Dakota

Start with live tours near Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.

Gear to see them

Frequently asked questions

Can you see snakes in North Dakota in June?+

Yes. June accounts for 248 of the 919 verified snakes sightings logged in North Dakota across the year, which is 27% of the annual total.

Is June a good time to see snakes in North Dakota?+

June is one of the best months. It ranks 1st of the year and sits inside the peak window of June, July and May.

What month is best for snakes in North Dakota?+

June is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through June, July and May, based on 919 verified observations.

Which snakes are you most likely to see in North Dakota?+

The most-recorded species in North Dakota are Plains Garter Snake, Gopher Snake and Prairie Rattlesnake, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.