With the coming of spring and warmer weather conditions, snakes are through hunkering down for the winter making human encounters more likely. For many, snakes evoke feelings of uneasiness to outright panic. Montana only has 10 native snake species of which only the Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) is venomous.
Prairie Rattlesnakes are pale green to brown in color with brown or black blotches along the back extending to the tail where they change from blotches to rings. However, pattern and coloration vary widely across snake species and region and should not be used as a determining factor for identification. Prairie Rattlesnakes have A triangular head and a heat-sensing pit located between the nostril and the eye. They also have elliptical eyes . The Prairie Rattlesnake is the only snake in Montana with a rattle at the end of its tail. There are occasions where rattlesnakes lack or lose their rattles. Rattles are added each time a snake sheds its skin, which can occur multiple times within a year.
Rattlesnakes occur throughout Montana, typically below 6,500 feet, and favor open and arid country but are also found in ponderosa pine stands and mixed grass-coniferous forests. They are more likely to be encountered on south-facing slopes and in areas with rock outcrops. The majority of their diet consists of a variety of rodents and small mammals. Mating occurs during the summer months and females typically give birth in late August through September.
Rattlesnakes are widespread in Montana and found in a variety of environments throughout the state. They may turn up around homes and yards in brushy areas and under wood piles. Generally not aggressive, rattlesnakes will likely retreat if given room or not deliberately provoked or threatened. Most bites occur
when a rattlesnake is handled or accidentally touched by someone walking or climbing.
On rare occasions rattlesnake bites have caused severe injury and even death. However, the potential of encountering a rattlesnake should not deter anyone from venturing outdoors. The chances of being bitten are small compared to the risk of other environmental injuries. Nationwide, only 5 to 6 people die each year from snake bites. Typically, death due to snakebites occur with children and those who either failed to receive antivenin (the antidote for venom) or those who did not receive antivenin quickly enough.
Tips for being safe outdoors
• Be alert. Most bites occur between the months of April and September when snakes and humans are most active outdoors. Rattlesnakes are sensitive to the ambient temperature. After a cold or cool night, they will attempt to raise their body temperature by basking in the sun midmorning. Snakes are generally not active when the temperature dips below 60° F.
• When hiking carry a walking stick and utilize well-used trails. When possible hike in groups so there is someone with you who can assist in an emergency.
• Use care around rock piles, ledges logs, and locations where two vegetation types meet (e.g. grass and rocks). Do not insert hands, step, or sit where you cannot visually inspect the area first. Shake out sleeping bags before use.
• Wear shoes, preferably boots, that extend above the ankle. Full-length and loose-fitting long pants also provide a fair amount of protection against snake bites on the lower leg. Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking through brushy areas.
• If you encounter a snake, simply maintain a safe distance and walk around allowing plenty of space.
• Teach children not to approach or handle snakes without parental supervision.
• Do not handle a freshly killed snake as it can still inject venom.
• Leash your dog when hiking in snake country. Dogs are at increased risk of being bitten due to holding their nose to the ground while investigating the outdoors.
Information for this article was compiled by Jared Beaver (MSU Extension Wildlife Specialist).
Montana State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach. USDA and Conservation Districts are equal opportunity service providers and employers.
