8 Types of Snakes in North Dakota

1. What types of snakes are found in North Dakota?

North Dakota has around 10 native snake species, each adapted to different habitats and climates. The prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) is the most notable because it is venomous, while the bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi), plains garter snake (Thamnophis radix), common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), western hognose snake (Heterodon nasicus), and smooth green snake (Opheodrys vernalis) are common non-venomous residents. You may also encounter the northern redbelly snake (Storeria occipitomaculata), eastern racer (Coluber constrictor), lined snake (Tropidoclonion lineatum), and rubber boa (Charina bottae) in specific regions. All non-venomous snakes are harmless to humans and play a crucial role in controlling rodent populations on grasslands and prairies.

2. How can you tell a prairie rattlesnake from a bullsnake?

These two are most often confused because they share similar size, coloration, and habitat preferences. The prairie rattlesnake has a distinct rattle on its tail, a triangular head, and vertical (elliptical) pupils that look like a cat's eye. The bullsnake, by contrast, lacks a rattle and has a rounder head with round pupils. When threatened, a bullsnake may hiss loudly and vibrate its tail against dry leaves, sounding like a rattle but without the true segmented rattle. Look at the tail tip: a rattlesnake's tail ends in a series of hollow, interlocking segments that produce a buzzing sound; a bullsnake's tail tapers to a point with no segments. The rattlesnake also has heat-sensing pits (small indentations) between the eye and nostril that the bullsnake lacks.

3. Where in North Dakota are you most likely to see snakes?

The best odds to see snakes in North Dakota are in the western half of the state, particularly in the badlands along the Little Missouri River, around Fort Union Trading Post, and in southwestern counties like Slope, Golden Valley, and Billings. Prairie rattlesnakes favor rocky outcrops, sagebrush flats, and grassland edges where prey is abundant. Garter snakes and bullsnakes are more widespread across grasslands, along river corridors, wetland margins, and near farm ponds where water and prey overlap. Eastern racers prefer open grasslands and prairie edges. Hognose snakes hunt in sandy or loose-soil areas where their toad prey burrows. You are less likely to find snakes in the intense agricultural regions of the Red River Valley, though some garter snakes persist there near drainage ditches. For a deeper look at North Dakota wildlife, check out our/wildlife/north-dakotahub.

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4. When is the best time of year to spot snakes in North Dakota?

The prime window for snake sightings in North Dakota runs from late April through early October. Snakes emerge from hibernation (brumation) in April and May, when daytime temperatures reach the 60s and 70s F. The best activity levels occur in May and June during the warmest part of the day, typically mid-morning to early afternoon. September also offers excellent viewing as snakes prepare for winter. Summer heat can push snakes into crepuscular behavior, meaning they are active early morning and evening rather than midday. Avoid cold or rainy days, snakes rarely bask then and seek shelter instead. Winter months from November to March, snakes are in brumation, often in rock crevices, rodent burrows, or beneath logs where they remain inactive.

5. Which snakes in North Dakota are venomous?

Only the prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) is venomous in North Dakota. It inhabits the western badlands and occasionally the Missouri River breaks, with range extending into the far western counties. Its venom is hemotoxic, used to immobilize small rodents and prey. Bites are rare but do occur if the snake is accidentally stepped on or cornered. Learn to identify it by the rattle at the tail tip, triangular head, and heat-sensing pits between the eye and nostril. All other North Dakota snakes, including bullsnakes, hognose snakes, garter snakes, and racers, are non-venomous and beneficial for controlling pests.

6. How do you identify a plains garter snake vs. a common garter snake?

Both species are slender, striped snakes common in moist areas like marsh edges and prairie wetlands. The plains garter snake (Thamnophis radix) has a bright yellow or orange stripe running down the center of its back, flanked by two lighter cream-colored stripes, and a distinctive checkerboard pattern between the stripes. Its head is often plain olive or brown. The common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) has a similar dorsal stripe but the side stripes are less defined, and the body typically shows a red or orange checkerboard along the sides. The common garter snake is generally stockier than the plains species. In North Dakota, the common garter snake is less abundant and mostly found in the eastern portions of the state. For more on snake identification, visit our/animals/snakeresource page.

7. What are the key field marks for a western hognose snake?

Western hognose snakes (Heterodon nasicus) are among the most distinctive snakes in North Dakota, thanks to their upturned snout and unusual behavior. They are medium-sized, reaching 16 to 24 inches long, with a stocky body and coloration ranging from yellow and brown to pinkish. The most identifying feature is the upturned, shovel-like snout used for digging in sandy soil to find toad burrows, their favorite prey. When threatened, a hognose will flatten its head and neck in a dramatic cobra-like display, hiss, and may even play dead by flipping upside down with its mouth open. This defensive behavior earned them the nickname 'spitting cobra,' though they rarely bite. They inhabit sandy prairie areas and loose-soil grasslands in the western and central portions of North Dakota.

8. How do you show your interest in North Dakota snakes?

If you want to celebrate your snake sightings or simply enjoy the design, consider a themed t-shirt. A few options include:

Rattlesnake Graphic T-Shirt

A bold design featuring a prairie rattlesnake coiled up. Accurate field marks make it a great conversation starter for anyone who spends time in the badlands.Check Price and Availability

Green Viper Snake T-Shirt

A vivid green viper pattern that stands out. Not native to North Dakota, but a stylish choice for snake lovers.Check Price and Availability

Browse more snake designs at our/t-shirtspage.

Retro Cute Snake T-Shirt

A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability

9. How can you tell a smooth green snake from other North Dakota snakes?

Smooth green snakes (Opheodrys vernalis) are among the most beautiful and slender snakes in North Dakota, and they stand out from all other species through their uniform bright green coloration and small size. They rarely exceed 20 inches long and have a delicate, streamlined body built for hunting insects in grass and low vegetation. Unlike the striped garter snakes or the patterned hognose, the smooth green snake has no stripes or spots, just a clean green back and lighter belly. They are found primarily in the northern and eastern portions of North Dakota, where they prefer moist grassland and prairie-wetland transition zones. Their docile temperament and secretive nature make them uncommon finds, but spotting one in tall grass during spring and early summer is a treat.

10. What are common questions about snakes in North Dakota?

**Are there water moccasins in North Dakota?** No, water moccasins (cottonmouths) do not occur in North Dakota; their range is limited to the southeastern US. **Can you keep a wild snake as a pet?** It is legal to keep most non-venomous species with a fishing or hunting license, but it is recommended to leave them in the wild. **What should I do if I see a rattlesnake?** Give it space, at least 6 feet away, do not try to handle it, and walk away slowly. Rattlesnakes usually retreat if not threatened. **Do snakes help farmers?** Yes, they control rodent populations and are an important part of the ecosystem. For further reading, check out our state wildlife guide:/wildlife/north-dakota.

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11. What is the rubber boa and why is it rare in North Dakota?

The rubber boa (Charina bottae) is a small, stocky, docile snake found only in the northwestern corner of North Dakota, representing the easternmost edge of its range across the western United States. It rarely exceeds 24 inches long and has a smooth, shiny appearance that gives it its common name, the skin feels like rubber when handled. Rubber boas are ovoviviparous, meaning they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. They are specialist predators, feeding primarily on small mammals, especially young rodents in burrows. Because they are slow-moving, nocturnal, and prefer cool, moist habitats in forested areas, they are seldom seen and very rarely encountered on open prairie. If you spot one, it is a significant find and worth reporting to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

12. Which snakes in North Dakota are most likely to be mistaken for each other?

The most common mistaken identities in North Dakota involve the prairie rattlesnake and bullsnake, and the two garter snake species. Bullsnakes and rattlesnakes occupy overlapping habitat and share similar coloration, but the rattle and head shape are definitive differences. Plains garter snakes and common garter snakes can be confused in areas where their ranges overlap, but the plains garter snake's bright central stripe and checkerboard pattern separate it from the more subdued common garter snake. Eastern racers are sometimes mistaken for common garter snakes because both are slender and active, but the racer has a smooth, uniform coloration without stripes and moves with an aggressive, jerky hunting style. The western hognose is rarely confused with anything else once you spot the shovel-like snout and flat-head threat display. Learning these key differences builds confidence in field identification and deepens your appreciation for North Dakota's snake diversity.