Snakes In Wyoming play an important role in the environment. There are many snakes ranging from harmless garter snakes to venomous rattlesnakes in Wyoming. These snakes can be found living anywhere in the state, including high alpine areas and plains regions.
10 Snakes In Wyoming
- Prairie rattlesnake
- Common garter snake
- Western hognose snake
- Smooth green snake
- Rubber boa
- Striped whipsnake
- Crotalus concolor
- Gopher snake
- Bullsnake
- Redbelly snake
Prairie rattlesnake
The Prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) is a venomous pit viper species found in the prairies of North America. They are typically grey, tan, or brown in color, with blotches running along the length of their bodies. Prairie rattlesnakes have a distinctive rattle on their tail which they use as a warning to potential predators. Prairie rattlesnakes feed mostly on small mammals such as mice and moles, but will also eat birds and lizards. Prairie rattlesnakes hibernate during winter months from October to March, seeking shelter under rocks or logs near their dens.
Common garter snake
The common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is a species of snake found in North America. It is one of the most widely distributed and common snakes on the continent and can be found from southern Canada to northern Mexico. They are typically between 18 and 26 inches in length but can grow up to 55 inches.
Common garter snakes are known for their diverse coloration and patterning. They typically have a green, brown, or black coloration, with three yellow stripes running the length of their bodies. However, some individuals can be solid black, orange, or even albino.
Western hognose snake
Western hognose snakes are native to the Western United States and are known for their upturned nose. They can reach lengths up to 24 inches, although they typically average between 12-18 inches in length. Western hognose snakes have a distinct pattern of dark blotches on their light-colored bodies with darker bands down the side, which helps them blend in with the environment. Western hognose snakes are usually light brown or grayish in color but can also be orange and yellow. Western hognose snakes prefer warm temperatures and dry climates, making them well-suited for desert habitats like creosote flats, sand dunes, and the prairies of sagebrush.
Smooth green snake
The Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis) is a non-venomous colubrid species native to North America. It is found in wooded and semi-open habitats such as fields, meadows, gardens, and deciduous forests. Smooth green snakes feed mainly on insects and other small invertebrates such as spiders, snails, worms, and caterpillars. They are slender with scales that can range from medium to dark green in coloration. Males tend to be longer than females with an average length ranging from 12–20 inches (30–50 cm). Smooth green snakes are preyed upon by several predators including birds of prey and hawks.
Rubber boa
The Rubber boa snake has a cylindrical body and a short, blunt tail. Their skin is smooth and shiny, giving them a rubber-like appearance. Their color can vary from shades of brown to gray, with a lighter underside. They have small eyes and a small head, which makes them difficult to distinguish from their tail, and have keeled scales.
Rubber boas are known to be crepuscular and nocturnal, spending most of the day hiding under rocks, logs, or other debris. They are typically found in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and mountains, but they are most commonly found in moist, wooded areas.
Striped whipsnake
The Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus) is a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake that is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is also known as the Western Whipsnake or the Gopher snake.
The Striped Whipsnake is a slender, fast-moving snake that can grow up to 6 feet in length. It is typically light brown or gray in color, with dark brown or black stripes running down its back and sides. These stripes give the snake its common name and help it to blend in with its environment. The Striped Whipsnake is primarily active during the day and feeds on a variety of prey, including lizards, rodents, and small birds.
Crotalus concolor
Crotalus concolor, commonly known as the Western rattlesnake, is a species of venomous pit viper found in western North America. It is one of the most widely distributed species of rattlesnakes and has a wide range that includes parts of the United States and Mexico. Crotalus concolor displays a high degree of adaptability but prefers dry climates with rocky hillsides and canyons. The average length of Crotalus concolor is around three to four feet, though some individuals have been recorded at up to six feet in length.
Gopher snake
The Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer), also known as the Bull Snake or Pine Snake, is a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake found in western North America. Gopher Snakes are relatively large and can grow up to 8 feet in length. They have stout bodies with smooth, shiny scales that can range in color from gray, tan, yellowish, or light brown, sometimes with dark brown or black blotches or spots.
They have a distinctive broad, flat head and a long, pointed tail. Their coloration can vary depending on the region, but typically they are well adapted to blend with their surroundings. Gopher Snakes are opportunistic feeders and have a varied diet. They eat a wide range of prey, including small mammals, such as voles, rats, gophers, and ground squirrels, as well as lizards, birds and their eggs, frogs, and other snakes. They are also known to scavenge on dead animals.
Bullsnake
The Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi) is a species of nonvenomous snake found in the central United States and northwestern Mexico. Bullsnakes are part of the Colubridae family, which includes more than two-thirds of all snake species worldwide. Bullsnakes are large, heavy-bodied snakes that can grow up to 6 feet long. They have distinctive yellow or tan bodies with dark brown or black blotches along their back. Bullsnakes are also characterized by their triangular heads and small eyes. Bullsnakes feed on a variety of small animals such as lizards, rodents, and chicks.
Redbelly snake
The Redbelly Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata) is a small, nonvenomous snake that is native to North America. It is also known as the Red-bellied Snake, the Eastern Redbelly Snake, or the Red-bellied Dusky Snake. The Redbelly Snake is a small snake that typically grows to a length of 10-18 inches (25-45 cm) and has a slender body. They have a uniform color on their dorsum which can vary from grey, brown to reddish-brown, while their venter (belly) is usually orange or red, which gives them their common name.
They also have a dark stripe that runs from their eye to their jaw and a dark spot at the base of their tail. The Redbelly Snake’s diet is primarily made up of slugs, snails, and earthworms, but they also consume small arthropods and other small invertebrates such as spiders and millipedes.
Conclusion
Snakes play an important part in the ecology of Wyoming providing food for a variety of species while helping to control rodent populations. Snakes are also seen as indicators of environmental health as they can be affected by water quality, habitat destruction, and other human-made changes. Therefore, it is important to protect them from harm. Despite their intimidating look and reputation, most species of snakes found in Wyoming are harmless and beneficial to humans. They should not be feared but instead appreciated for their contributions to a healthy ecosystem.
