Every Snake Species You Might Meet in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is home to 11 species of reptiles and amphibians. Snakes make up nearly half of that number, with several species found throughout Yellowstone’s 3,471 square miles. The park spans parts of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, each state offering a unique ecosystem. While only one of Yellowstone’s snakes is venomous, each one plays a unique role in this national park’s animal kingdom.

Bullsnake

Bullsnakes are part of the gopher snake species, which means they’re non-venomous constrictors. These snakes are relatively large and can grow up to a whopping eight feet long. They can often be found in rodent burrows, hence the name “gopher snake.” Bullsnakes are frequently mistaken for rattlesnakes due to their similar coloring, especially in Yellowstone, where both species are present. They differ slightly in coloring, and bullsnakes do not have the same vertical, slit-shaped pupils as rattlesnakes. However, if threatened, a bullsnake can mimic a rattlesnake by shaking its tail.

Despite their appearance, these snakes are not known to be overly aggressive or prone to biting. A bullsnake might hiss or thrash to intimidate threats, but it will only bite as a last resort to escape. If a hiker comes across a bullsnake, they’ll likely hear it either by its faux rattle or its loud hiss. According to Clint’s Reptiles, the metaphorical bark of a bullsnake is much worse than its bite.

Valley Garter Snake

As its name implies, the valley garter snake is a member of the garter snake family. These snakes are harmless to humans and, like the bullsnake, are incredibly beneficial to Yellowstone’s environment. They’re mostly active during the day, which makes them a frequent sight for hikers. Valley garter snakes are also excellent swimmers, which helps them adapt to the diverse landscapes of Yellowstone. They’re most commonly found near the park’s waterways.

The valley garter snake is easily identified by its distinctive red or orange bands that run down its sides. Many garter snakes also have yellow banding, and they’re usually less than four feet long. More often than not, these snakes are more afraid of humans than humans are of them. They usually scatter from trails before anyone gets close, but can sometimes be seen moving through grass or underbrush.

Wandering Garter Snake

The garter snake is the most commonly found reptile in Yellowstone, according to the National Park Service. Similar to the valley garter snake, they live near bodies of water. Their diet consists primarily of fish, frogs, rodents, tadpoles, and slugs, and they pose no threat to humans. This snake has a light, cream-colored band that runs down its sides, parallel to black scales.

Wandering garter snakes camouflage themselves easily among Yellowstone’s flora, making them challenging to find. Despite their abundant presence in the park, they’re typically shy as a species. Garter snakes prefer to slither away rather than confront threats, and will likely be gone before you even notice them. As a non-aggressive snake species, their instinct is to flee rather than bite.

Rubber Boa

In contrast to garter snakes, the rubber boa is not often seen, according to the National Park Service. This snake is nocturnal, which means hikers rarely stumble across it. The snake’s name alludes to its appearance, as it’s all one shade of brown with rubbery-looking scales. Rubber boas prefer to be left undisturbed and usually hide in leaf or dirt piles.

While rubber boas can grow up to two feet long, they’re relatively docile. According to Forest Watch, these snakes are known to curl into a defensive ball when handled. Although wild snakes should never be handled unless by an expert, rubber boas are not considered dangerous to humans. These snakes are found throughout Yellowstone, but most prominently in the Bechler region and Gibbon Meadows.

Prairie Rattlesnake

Unlike other snakes found in Yellowstone, the prairie rattlesnake is highly venomous. A bite can cause pain, swelling at the puncture site and in the mouth and throat, as well as nausea, bleeding, and dizziness. This elusive predator is nocturnal, preferring to hunt at night. It uses heat-sensing pits to locate rodents and other small mammals in the dark.

Like other venomous snakes, the prairie rattlesnake has a triangle-shaped head, slitted eyes, and dark-colored bands that turn into rings at the base of its tail. They can grow up to four feet long and prefer to coil up to remain hidden. The first warning sign you’ll hear is the snake’s rattle, which indicates that you’re too close. According to the National Park Service, the best practice is to move away from the sound as slowly as possible. There have only been two bites in Yellowstone’s recorded history, making encounters rare. Prairie rattlesnakes are typically found near the lower Yellowstone River areas, and visitors should still be alert in these parts of the park.

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