Snakes in Wyoming: identification guide and best places to start
Wyoming hosts a dozen snake species, but only the prairie rattlesnake is venomous. Most sightings happen near rocky outcrops, river bottoms, and sagebrush flats from April through October. This guide covers where to look, when to go, and how to tell them apart.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Bullsnake 路 Public domain CC0
Midget Faded Rattlesnake 路 Public domain CC0
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake 路 Jens-Christian Svenning CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 309
- GBIF records
- June, July, May
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
12 types of snakes recorded in Wyoming
12 snake species have a verified observation record in Wyoming across snakes (suborder Serpentes), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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2
3
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7
8
9
10
11
12
Plus 1 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
2,652 verified observations on iNaturalist of snake have been recorded in Wyoming, most often in June, July, May.
When snake are recorded in Wyoming
Wyoming hosts a dozen snake species, but only the prairie rattlesnake is venomous. Most sightings happen near rocky outcrops, river bottoms, and sagebrush flats from April through October. This guide covers where to look, when to go, and how to tell them apart.
What is the most common snake in Wyoming?
The bullsnake is the most frequently encountered snake in Wyoming. It is a large, nonvenomous constrictor often seen on trails and roadsides. Bullsnakes have a blotched pattern and can hiss loudly, but they are harmless and help control rodent populations.
In Wyoming, snakes sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where people are most likely to notice them. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Where are people most likely to notice snakes in Wyoming?
Snakes in Wyoming are most often noticed on warm, sunny afternoons along rocky slopes, prairie dog towns, and near stock ponds. The Bighorn Basin, Shirley Basin, and the Platte River valley are consistent hotspots. In the mountains, look for them on south-facing talus slopes below 8,000 feet.
What season or weather patterns help with snake spotting?
Snakes become active when daytime temperatures reach above 60掳F. The best window is late May through early June during the morning hours after a cool night. Overcast days with light wind can also push them onto open ground to absorb heat. In late summer, evening activity increases near water sources.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
Simple ID cues that separate Wyoming snakes from lookalikes
Start with the tail: if it ends in a rattle, it is a prairie rattlesnake. Otherwise, look at the head shape. Bullsnakes have a pointed head and round pupils, while garter snakes have a slender neck and keeled scales. The milk snake has red bands bordered by black, mimicking the coral snake pattern but harmless. Use a field guide or checkour snake identification hubfor photos.
Which venomous snakes live in Wyoming?
Only one venomous species is found in Wyoming: the prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis). It occurs statewide below about 8,500 feet, especially in the eastern plains and river drainages. It has a triangular head, vertical pupils, and a rattle on the tail. Bites are rare but require immediate medical attention. Keep a respectful distance and never provoke.
What time of day are snakes most active in Wyoming?
Snakes are primarily diurnal in spring and fall, basking in the morning and foraging through early afternoon. During hot summer months, they shift to crepuscular activity, moving at dawn and dusk. Nighttime road cruising in July and August can reveal snakes crossing asphalt to absorb residual heat.
How to avoid snake encounters on the trail
Stick to open trails, watch where you step, and avoid tall grass or rock piles without first poking with a stick. Wear closed-toe boots and loose pants. Snakes usually retreat if given space. If you see one, stop and let it move away. Carry a snakebite kit and know the nearest hospital. For more Wyoming wildlife tips, visitour Wyoming wildlife page.
After the hike: showing off your snake spotting
Once you've identified a Wyoming snake, you might want to wear your findings. Check out these shirt designs that celebrate the state's scaly residents. They work great as a conversation starter or a gift for a fellow herper.
Snake spotted? Wear it with pride
Rattlesnake Graphic T-Shirt
A bold design featuring a coiled rattler, perfect for anyone who appreciates Wyoming's apex predator.Check Price and Availability
Green Viper Snake T-Shirt
Vibrant green viper print that stands out on the trail or at the campfire.Check Price and Availability
Retro Cute Snake T-Shirt
A playful retro snake motif for those who like their reptiles with a smile.Check Price and Availability
Snake T-Shirt
Classic black-and-white snake graphic, simple and clean.Check Price and Availability
See more wildlife apparel in ourt-shirt collection.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see snake in Wyoming: June, July, May
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your snake sighting in Wyoming
309 verified snake records have been logged in Wyoming, most recently in 2018. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Wyoming
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Devils Tower National Monument 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Fossil Butte National Monument 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Grand Teton National Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- Yellowstone National Park 路 Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching 路 Find hotels
- California National Historic Trail 路 Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
What snake species live in Wyoming?+
The bullsnake is the most frequently encountered snake in Wyoming. It is a large, nonvenomous constrictor often seen on trails and roadsides. Bullsnakes have a blotched pattern and can hiss loudly, but they are harmless and help control rodent populations. In Wyoming, snakes sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where people are most likely to notice them. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Where can you see snakes in Wyoming?+
The bullsnake is the most frequently encountered snake in Wyoming. It is a large, nonvenomous constrictor often seen on trails and roadsides. Bullsnakes have a blotched pattern and can hiss loudly, but they are harmless and help control rodent populations. In Wyoming, snakes sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where people are most likely to notice them. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
When is the best time to see snakes in Wyoming?+
The bullsnake is the most frequently encountered snake in Wyoming. It is a large, nonvenomous constrictor often seen on trails and roadsides. Bullsnakes have a blotched pattern and can hiss loudly, but they are harmless and help control rodent populations. In Wyoming, snakes sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where people are most likely to notice them. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Keep exploring
More places to see snake
More wildlife in Wyoming