North Dakota Snakes are very common, including the garter snake, the bull snake, the western hognose snake, the prairie rattlesnake, and the western terrestrial garter snake. Most of these species are nonvenomous and are not a threat to humans. The prairie rattlesnake is the only venomous species found in North Dakota, and it is generally not aggressive unless it feels threatened.
If you come across a snake in North Dakota, it is best to leave it alone and give it plenty of space. It is important to remember that all wild animals can be unpredictable, and it is never a good idea to handle a snake or any other wild animal.
11 North Dakota Snakes
Prairie rattlesnake
The prairie rattlesnake, also known as the western rattlesnake, is North Dakota’s only venomous snake. It is usually gray or brown in color with a black and white stripe running down its back, ending in a rattle at the end of its tail. Although their bites can be painful and sometimes require medical attention, they are rarely fatal to humans. Prairie rattlesnakes prefer open areas such as grasslands and prairies where they feed on small mammals such as mice and voles. They are most active during warmer months but will hibernate in dens during colder times of the year.
Garter snake
Garter snakes are a common type of snake found in North Dakota and throughout much of the United States. They are generally small to medium in size, with most adults ranging from 18 to 54 inches in length. Garter snakes are named for the stripes on their bodies, which resemble the stripes on old-fashioned men’s garters. These stripes can be green, yellow, red, or brown and are usually paired with a black or dark brown background color.
Garter snakes are nonvenomous and are not a threat to humans. They are often found near water sources, such as streams, ponds, and marshes, and feed on small prey such as worms, slugs, and insects. They are generally docile and will try to flee if confronted, but if they feel threatened they may emit a musky odor or strike. It is best to observe garter snakes from a distance and not handle them.
Bullsnakes
The bullsnake is North Dakota’s largest non-venomous snake with adults ranging in length from 4 to 6 feet. They are light brown or gray in color with dark blotches down their back and sides. Bullsnakes feed mainly on small rodents and birds, using their mild venom to subdue their prey before consuming it. Despite its name and appearance, the bullsnake is not a rattlesnake but instead makes a hissing sound when alarmed.
Smooth Greensnakes
The smooth green snake is North Dakota’s smallest native snake, often reaching lengths of less than 10 inches as an adult. They are usually green or gray in color but may also have yellow or orange stripes running along the length of their body. Smooth green snakes feed on insects and other small invertebrates, and they are often found around water sources such as rivers, ponds, and lakes.
American brown snakes
The American brown snake, also known as the eastern brown snake, is a species of venomous snake found in the eastern United States, including parts of North Dakota. It is a small to medium-sized snake, with adults reaching an average length of 18 to 30 inches. The American brown snake has a brown or reddish-brown body with a lighter underside. It is a fast and agile snake and is known to be very nervous and defensive, often fleeing when confronted.
However, if it feels threatened, it may strike and release a potent venom that can be harmful to humans. If you encounter an American brown snake, it is best to leave it alone and give it plenty of space. If you are bitten by a venomous snake, seek medical attention immediately.
Northern Water Snake
The northern water snake is North Dakota’s most common aquatic species. They range in color from black to dark brown with yellow or orange stripes down their sides. These snakes are typically between 2-4 feet in length but may reach lengths of up to 5 feet. They feed mainly on fish, frogs, crayfish, and other small aquatic creatures. Northern water snakes can be aggressive if provoked but will usually retreat if given a chance to escape.
Western hognose snake
The Western hognose snake is North Dakota’s only true burrowing snake, often found in grass and sagebrush areas. They are usually light brown or gray in color with dark blotches down their back and sides that can sometimes have a reddish tint. As their name implies, they have an upturned snout which helps them to dig for prey such as small rodents, frogs, and other invertebrates. Despite their intimidating appearance, these snakes are nonvenomous and harmless to humans.
Redbelly snake
The redbelly snake, also known as the redbelly water snake or the red-bellied snake, is a nonvenomous snake found in parts of the United States, including parts of North Dakota. It is small to medium-sized snake, with adults averaging 18 to 30 inches in length. The redbelly snake gets its name from the reddish or orange coloration on its underside.
Its upper body is usually brown or gray, with a pattern of dark, irregularly-shaped blotches. The redbelly snake is a good swimmer and is often found near water sources such as streams, ponds, and marshes. It feeds on small prey such as worms, slugs, and insects. The redbelly snake is generally docile and is not a threat to humans. If you encounter a redbelly snake, it is best to leave it alone and give it plenty of space.
Gopher snake
The gopher snake is North Dakota’s most common nonvenomous species. They can range in size from 2-6 feet as adults and are usually tan, yellow, or gray colored with dark blotches down their backs. Gopher snakes feed primarily on small rodents and birds, using their mild venom to subdue their prey before consuming it. Despite its name and appearance, the gopher snake is not a rattlesnake but instead makes a hissing sound when alarmed.
North Dakota’s native snakes are important aspects of the local ecosystem and should be respected accordingly if encountered in the wild. It’s important to remember that all North Dakota snakes are protected by law and should never be handled or disturbed unnecessarily.
Eastern racer
The eastern racer is a species of nonvenomous snake found in the eastern United States, including parts of North Dakota. It is a medium to the large snake, with adults ranging in size from 3 to 6 feet in length. The eastern racer has a slender, streamlined body and is known for its speed and agility. It is usually solid-colored, with a blue-gray, black, or olive-green body, and a lighter underside. The eastern racer is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and wetlands.
It feeds on small prey such as rodents, lizards, and insects. The eastern racer is generally not aggressive and will try to flee if confronted. However, if it feels threatened it may strike and release a musky odor. It is best to observe the eastern racer from a distance and not handle it.
Milksnake
The milk snake is North Dakota’s most brightly colored species. They range in size from 2-4 feet as adults and have a distinctive pattern of black, red, and yellow stripes running along their bodies. Milk snakes feed primarily on small rodents, frogs, turtles, and other reptiles. Despite its striking coloring, the milk snake is nonvenomous and can be harmless to humans if left alone. North Dakota’s native snakes are important aspects of the local ecosystem and should be respected accordingly if encountered in the wild.
Conclusion
North Dakota is home to several species of snakes, including both venomous and nonvenomous species. The prairie rattlesnake is the only venomous species found in the state, and it is generally not aggressive unless it feels threatened. Other common species include the garter snake, the bull snake, the western hognose snake, and the western terrestrial garter snake. These species are nonvenomous and are not a threat to humans. If you come across a snake in North Dakota, it is best to leave it alone and give it plenty of space. It is important to remember that all wild animals can be unpredictable, and it is never a good idea to handle a snake or any other wild animal.
