Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis)
The only venomous snake in the state is the prairie rattlesnake. Also called the western rattlesnake, These snakes can grow to lengths of up to 5 feet! They have tan or light brown bodies with black or dark brown markings. The prairie rattlesnake lives in the Southwestern region of North Dakota. Look for them on prairies, grasslands, and in rocky outcroppings. The bite of the prairie rattlesnake contains powerful venom which is both hemotoxic and neurotoxic and causes serious tissue damage. Make no mistake, these snakes are dangerous! Their prey consists of small mammals, including prairie dogs, rabbits, squirrels, and rats.
Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi)
One of the longest snakes in North Dakota is the bullsnake, a subspecies of the gopher snake. Bullsnakes are 3-6 feet long and are yellow with dark brown or black markings. They live in the Western half of the state in woodlands, prairies, and grasslands. They are constrictors who prey on small mammals, birds, bird eggs, and rodents. Bullsnakes react aggressively when they feel threatened. When they detect anything that is too big for them to eat they instantly assume that it is a predator. If they can’t get away safely, will assume a defensive position. This involves raising their head and neck up off the ground to make themselves look as large as possible while vibrating their tail, which, under the correct conditions, mimics the sound of a rattlesnake.
Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix)
Another black snake in North Dakota is the plains garter snake which can be black, brown, or greenish-grey with horizontal yellow and orange stripes and vertical black bars on their lips. They are usually 18 to 36 inches long with slender bodies. The plains garter snake lives in prairies and meadows throughout the state, typically near a source of water. Plains garter snakes prey consists of earthworms, slugs, and small amphibians. However, they will also sometimes prey on small mammals and birds. Widely known as one of the most “cold tolerant” snakes in the U.S., plains garter snakes often emerge from brumation to bask in the sun on warm days. These snakes are most active between April and October, when they are not in brumation.
Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
The common garter snake is another garter snake in North Dakota. These snakes are 18 to 32 inches long with a varied appearance. They can be green, black, or brown with three yellowish stripes. They can also have red blotches on their sides. Common garter snakes occur in scattered locations across the state – mainly in the Northwest and the Southern regions. They live in a wide variety of habitats, but are most often found near to a permanent water source such as streams and rivers. As they are diurnal you’re most likely to see common garter snakes from morning through late afternoon. Common garter snakes are not dangerous to humans but they are toxic to their prey. They contain a mild venom-like substance in their saliva which they use to incapacitate prey such as toads. Conversely, common garter snakes are immune to the venom that is produced by toads! If you are bitten by a common garter snake it is not usually serious, with the most common symptoms being swelling and itching in the affected area.
Plains Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus)
The final black snake in North Dakota is the plains hognose snake, which is also known as the western or prairie hognose snake. They are 15 to 25 inches long and are typically tan or light brown with darker brown or black markings. Although plains hognose snakes resemble prairie rattlesnakes, the most distinctive difference is found in the shape of their snouts, as plains hognose snakes have distinctly upturned snouts! Plains hognose snakes live in scattered locations across North Dakota, albeit with greater prevalence in the Western region of the state. They are most often found in the Badlands and along rivers where there is loose and sandy soil for them to burrow into. Although they can sometimes flatten their neck like a cobra when they are disturbed, plains hognose snakes are not dangerous to humans. However, they are mildly venomous to their prey using venom which is produced and injected by rear fangs which are located at the back of the mouth.
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