BILLINGS — According to Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP), Montana has several native snake species, of which only one is venomous - the Prairie Rattlesnake.
FWP says that people are most likely to see garter snakes when outdoors. Western Milksnakes, Plains Hog-nosed Snakes, and Smooth Greensnakes are the least common native snakes because they are a species of concern.
For Billings resident Jenny Ludvigson, the allure of Phipps Park in northwest Billings is undeniable. Despite the scenic beauty, runners and hikers may inadvertently cross paths with rattlesnakes. Ludvigson and her friend saw one last year at Phipps Park.
"As we were walking along, this rattler really hissed at us and was very unhappy that we were in his path. And he did let us know," Ludvigson said. "He came slithering out and we were running like mad people to get away."
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Rattlesnakes are typically found in places full of sagebrush and large rocks.
Global Wildlife Rescue specialist Dave Pauli said you might see a rattlesnake, but the chance that it will bite you is low.
"The risk from snakes in Montana is minimal. On average, there's 16 rattlesnake bites to humans statewide," Pauli said. "Anytime there's an exposure from a rattlesnake to a dog or to a human, people get really concerned. And we just need to put it in perspective."
But if someone happens to be bitten by a rattlesnake, Pauli said to remain calm.
"Many of those have no venom injected. They're dry bites and none of them have resulted in fatalities," he said. "Keep the bite above your heart if you can, go to a medical center, call ahead, and they will take care of you. But it's really minimal risk."
Pauli also said to not move a rattlesnake.
"Just go around it. Don't get close to it. The snake does not want to interact with you," Pauli said. "Generally, backing away, calming down, low, slow, and soft. You know, you don't have to move fast. You don't have to touch or move the snake. Just get away from the situation."
According to Montana State University, the following types of snakes can be found in Montana:
The Western rattlesnake (sometimes called a prairie rattlesnake) is Montana's only venomous snake. It has a triangular head, blunt nose, narrow neck, stout body and a tail that ends in a rattle. Rattlesnakes are found in most of Montana and are 15 to 60 inches long.
The rubber boa looks and feels like rubber. This small stout snake (12 to 18 inches long) has small eyes, a blunt tail and is distributed throughout western Montana.
The racer is a long (20- to 65-inch), slender snake found throughout Montana. The belly is whitish to pale yellow with the back of adults varying from greenish grey to brown or blue.
The Western hognose snake is heavy-bodied and can reach 32 inches long. It has an upturned nose and its back is yellowish to gray-brown with three rows of dark brown blotches running longitudinally.
The milk snake is highly recognizable with a series of red-orange saddles or rings that are bordered by black rings and separated by white or yellow rings. This medium-sized, slender snake can reach lengths of 42 inches. It is rarely found in Montana.
The smooth green snake is rare in Montana and only reported in the far northeast. About 26 inches long as an adult, it is bright green in color above and whitish below.
The gopher snake or bull snake is very common in Montana. It can reach a length of seven feet and is readily identified by a series of large black or brown blotches that run down the back, and another series along the sides.
Montana has three garter snake species which can be identified by three yellow stripes running the length of the body. The stripes vary from yellow to orange-yellow to green-yellow along the back. The adults are 16 to 43 inches long and are found throughout the state.
You can find more information about snakes native to Montana here.
FWP also recommends using the Montana Natural Heritage Project's website or app from a safe distance as an entry tool for when you see wild snakes.
