Wyoming has the lowest population and the second-lowest population density in the nation.
This means there are lots of wide open areas to explore.
It is in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and one of the most scenic states in the country.
There are some snakes, but with minimal care, they are not something to be too concerned about.
Contents
So… Are There Snakes in Wyoming?
There are snakes in Wyoming.
There are 14 species of snakes in Wyoming, and three of them – all rattlesnakes – are poisonous.
Snakes are not often seen, but they are there.
Most of the snakes in Wyoming are harmless, and they are good for the environment.
Snake Species in Wyoming
Rattlesnakes
There are three species of Rattlesnake in Wyoming.
The most common is the Prairie Rattlesnake, which grows from three to four feet long.
This snake ranges from Canada to Mexico in the plains states.
The Midget Faded Rattlesnake is two feet long but has a powerful kick in its venom.
It can cause your tissue to die, and immediate medical attention is required.
These are primarily in the Red Desert area.
The Great Basin rattlesnake can get to 50 inches long and can be deadly.
It likes dry, barren habitats where there are a lot of rocks.
It is found in the western part of the state.
There are three species of garter snakes, which are harmless though they can bite a person.
The Plains Garter Snake is orange with a yellow stripe and can get to three feet long.
It likes to be near water sources but can also be found in buildings and vacant lots.
The Western Terrestrial Garter Snake can get to 41 inches.
It does have venom, but not enough to harm humans. It is yellow or light orange, with two white stripes.
Red-sided Garter Snake is not common but is found in Eastern Wyoming.
It can have blue or yellow stripes and is about three feet long.
Other snakes
Rubber Boa is often found in the Red Desert of Wyoming.
It likes hot areas and tends to stay out of sight.
They are less than two feet long and are gray or tan to fit in with their surroundings.
Yellow Bellied Racer has a yellow undercoat, and their backs are either green or blue.
They are found near water and can grow to 60 inches long and are fast-moving snakes.
The Smooth Green Snakes likes wooded areas that are wet and have grass.
They are found throughout the state.
They are usually about a foot long and completely harmless.
Pale Milk Snakes can get to 32 inches long and are often found in woodlands near rivers.
They like to stay under coverings like leaves or rocks.
These snakes are rarely seen in Wyoming.
Bullsnake is related to the Gopher Snake and is found all over the state.
They are yellow or pale brown with black splotches.
They can get to eight feet long.
These are not a threat to humans, but they can look and act like a rattlesnake.
The Desert Striped Whip snake is a very narrow snake that can get to four feet long.
They are found in the mountainous region of Wyoming.
They are dark olive or dark tan.
Plains Hognose Snake has a unique snout, hence the name.
They live in the Red Desert area and like sandy areas.
They are three to four feet long.
They can look like a cottonmouth but are not dangerous.
Red Hills Red Bellied Snake is brown with a red belly.
They like forests, meadows, and wet areas.
These are small snakes, about a foot long.
They do not bite, but they can emit a strong odor when stressed.
Is it Safe to Go on a Trek in Wyoming?
For the most part, it is safe to hike in Wyoming, but there are some dangers.
Three species of rattlesnakes can cause serious injury.
This problem is made worse by the remoteness of the state.
There are areas where there is no phone signal, and help might be hours away.
There are dangers from other animals, as well as a risk of falling if you climb mountains.
Caution is needed in some areas, but most people do not encounter any problems when hiking in Wyoming.
Interesting Snake Facts in Wyoming
The Midget Faded Rattlesnake is less than three feet long but has some of the most toxic venom of any snake in America.
It can be deadly.
The snake is rare though, and is on the protected list, so it is illegal to kill them.
There are three species of rattlesnake in Wyoming.
Because of loss of habitat, and people killing them, there are not as many as there used to be.
They are a protected species.
It is illegal to kill them, though you can if you feel you are in danger.
Some snakes will roll over, exposing their underside, and pretend to be dead, to avoid predators.
Some non-poisonous snakes emit a foul odor when they are stressed.
A few species imitate rattlesnakes to fend off predators.
They can hiss, and shake their tails against the ground, which can sound somewhat like the rattle of a rattlesnake.
Sometimes people think they see a rattlesnake as a result, but it is a different kind of snake.
3 Safety Tips for Exploring Nature in Wyoming
- If you are in an area known to have rattlesnakes, wear boots and long thick pants. Stuff the legs of your pants into your shoes. Most snakebites happen when people step on snakes.
- Stay on the trails. Most snakes will be hiding and won’t get on a trail that is traveled by humans. If you do have to get off the trail, watch your step carefully. Don’t grab hold of rocks without looking carefully, and don’t step over logs where a snake could hide.
- Leave them alone. Even non-poisonous snakes can bite you, and that can be painful. Steer clear of, and don’t bother poisonous snakes either. Snakes don’t want to be around you and will flee if possible. Give them plenty of room to escape.
Summary
Most snakes in Wyoming are not poisonous and will not hurt you.
If you are observant while outside, stay on the trails, and leave snakes alone, you are very unlikely to have any issues.
It’s fairly rare to even see a snake in Wyoming, but there are some around.
Wyoming Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Wyoming Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
How many snakebites are reported in Wyoming?
Wyoming averages 21 snake bites reported each year, which is the 15th fewest.
Texas has the most at 1400.
Most states average less than 50.
How many people die from snakebites?
About five people are killed in the United States each year by snakebites.
Most of the deaths happen when people accidentally touch a snake, and some happen when people take risks with them.
What are the odds of being bitten by a snake?
There are about 8,000 total snake bites in the United States each year.
That makes your odds of being bitten 40,000 to one.
There are fewer in Wyoming, so your odds would be even lower there.
If you were bitten by a snake, your odds of dying after that are 1400 to one.
Additional Resources
Are There Snakes in Utah? Should You Be Worried?
Are There Snakes in Tennessee? Should You Be Worried?
Are There Snakes in Oregon? Should You Be Worried?
Are There Snakes in Minnesota? Should You Be Worried?
Are There Snakes in Hawaii? Should You Be Worried?
Are There Snakes in Wisconsin? Should You Be Worried?
