12 Types of Snakes in Wyoming

1. What are the most common snakes in Wyoming?

The most frequently seen snakes in Wyoming are the bullsnake, plains garter snake, and prairie rattlesnake. Bullsnakes are large, with a blotched pattern, and often mistaken for rattlers. Plains garter snakes have three stripes and are common near water. Prairie rattlesnakes are the only venomous species, identified by a triangular head and rattle.

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In Wyoming, snakes sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. 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.

2. How can you identify the prairie rattlesnake?

Look for a heavy body, dark blotches on a light brown or gray background, and a distinct rattle on the tail. The head is wider than the neck. Juveniles have a yellow-tipped tail. Key lookalike is the bullsnake, which has a narrow head and no rattle. For more detailed ID markers, check our snake identification guide at /animals/snake.

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3. Where in Wyoming do people usually see snakes first?

Snakes are most often spotted in the lower elevations of the Bighorn Basin, along the North Platte River, and in the Red Desert. Grasslands, rocky outcrops, and sagebrush flats are prime habitat. National parks and other public lands featured on our /wildlife/wyoming page offer good chances, especially on warm afternoons.

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4. When is the best season for snake sightings?

Late spring through early fall (May to September) is the active season. Snakes bask in the morning and late afternoon. Hot midday hours often drive them to cover. Early morning or late evening hikes improve your odds. After a cool night, look for them warming on south-facing rocks.

5. Which nonvenomous snakes look like rattlesnakes?

Bullsnakes are the classic mimic. They flatten their heads, hiss loudly, and vibrate their tails in dry leaves to sound like a rattle. However, their head is not distinctly wider than the neck, and they lack a true rattle. Gopher snakes also show similar patterns. The /animals/snake page has a full comparison of lookalikes.

6. What should you do if you encounter a snake?

Stop and give it space. Most snakes will move away if not threatened. Do not attempt to handle or kill the snake. If it's a rattlesnake, back up slowly and do not provoke. Keep dogs on trails. In case of a bite, remain calm and seek medical help immediately. Wyoming's venomous snake bites are rare but serious.

7. How can you prepare for snake spotting in Wyoming?

Wear sturdy boots and long pants when hiking in snake country. Carry a walking stick to probe ahead. A field guide or a wildlife identification app helps. For a fun way to show your interest, check out our /t-shirts collection. Below are some snake-themed options for your next outing.

8. What are some recommended snake-themed apparel?

Rattlesnake Graphic T-Shirt

A bold design featuring a coiled rattlesnake, perfect for showing your appreciation for Wyoming's wildlife.Check Price and Availability

Green Viper Snake T-Shirt

A vibrant green viper graphic that stands out. Great for casual wear or as a conversation starter.Check Price and Availability

Funny Snake T-Shirt

A humorous take on snakes with a witty caption. Ideal for those who appreciate a bit of humor.Check Price and Availability

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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. What lesser-known snake species occur in Wyoming?

Beyond the common trio, Wyoming hosts several other species worth knowing. The rubber boa, a small constrictive snake with smooth scales and a blunt tail, inhabits the western mountains and higher elevations. The smooth green snake, pale green above and white below, favors meadows and grasslands but is rarely encountered. The racer and whip snakes are slender, fast-moving species that hunt in open country. Milk snakes have red, black, and yellow or white bands and are sometimes confused with the absent coral snake. Knowing these less common species helps you solve unexpected field sightings and round out your Wyoming snake knowledge.

10. Which snake habitats are most productive in Wyoming?

Sagebrush steppe dominates much of Wyoming and holds healthy populations of bullsnakes and rattlesnakes. Along rivers and wetlands, garter snakes thrive in riparian zones where prey is abundant. Rocky foothills and mountain transitions host more diverse assemblages, including rubber boas and occasionally smooth green snakes. Desert margins and badlands support specialized species adapted to heat and aridity. National forests and wilderness areas preserve intact habitat corridors. The best approach is to match your target species to its preferred habitat, scout the area during warm weather, and plan multiple visits across the active season to maximize your odds.

11. Are there introduced or recently expanding snake species in Wyoming?

Wyoming's snake fauna is relatively stable, but climate patterns and human activity can shift local populations. The eastern yellow-bellied racer and gophersnake, native to lower elevations and arid zones, may expand northward as warming trends persist. Escaped or released pets are extremely rare in Wyoming's cold climate, so non-native species are not a major concern. The prairie rattlesnake remains the primary venomous species statewide, with no invasive competitors. Monitoring breeding population surveys conducted by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department helps track any shifts in distribution or abundance.

12. What field guide or app should you use to identify Wyoming snakes?

The National Audubon Society Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians is reliable and widely available. For mobile use, iNaturalist and Merlin (by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology) offer photo recognition and community verification. State-specific resources like the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's wildlife pages provide authoritative species lists and habitat maps. Local field clubs and naturalist groups often have targeted guides for specific regions. Combining a printed guide with a smartphone app gives you flexibility in the field and helps confirm IDs when lighting or angle makes it hard to judge field marks alone.