Big Sky Country is home to ten species of Snakes. As Winter approaches, many of us are glad to see these slithering critters get back in their hibernation spots and disappear for a while. Not all snakes have gotten the message to hibernate.
I found a rattlesnake along the Missouri River the other day when pheasant hunting. Jag, my dog heard him buzzing but paid no attention. I was surprised to bump into a Rattler this late, but these cold-blooded serpents enjoy sunning on a warm day. Nearby was a rocky cliff where he probably will hibernate.
Only one snake in Montana is venomous. The Prairie Rattler is common and deadly. In Yellowstone Park, a high desert is found in the area around Mammoth. This is also where a species of rattler lives. These venomous snakes can kill a pet or inflict issues on humans.
On a fishing trip, a few Summers ago, along the Missouri River, I walked into a nest of rattlers. There must have been a den nearby as I walked along a game trail between foliage and rocky cliffs. Dozens of cloudy eyed rattlers began buzzing. I was surrounded and had to shoot my way out. My pistol had snake loads and regular bullets. Without missing, I ran out of ammo from my revolver and 2 speed loaders. Once empty, I grabbed a stick and beat a path to the water. Whew!
As a Scoutmaster, my BSA Troop canoed the Missouri several times. In north central Montana, finding overnight camping was hard. Most shoreline areas were covered with rattlers. We often chose islands for camping. Rattlers are great swimmers so even the islands had a few rattlers that we caught and removed.
The Yellowstone River also has plenty of snakes. Most of the snakes along this watershed include Garter snakes and Bull snakes, which look like Rattlers. Even though Montana snakes are not generally aquatic, all of them can swim in the rivers. I had a Bull Snake slither onto my drift boat oar near Livingston. He was coming aboard and I had to make some fast moves to shake him free.
The Clark Fork has plenty of snaky habitat and is home to a unique snake known as a Rubber Boa. These are rubbery to the touch and not venomous. Red Racers can slither 3.5 MPH along the banks of the Clark Fork.
If you want to fish and catch snakes, the Milk River and Nelson Reservoir will meet your needs. I have never camped at the reservoir, in the summer, without meeting Rattlesnakes. They seem to be everywhere. Fort Peck Reservoir is similar. Make sure to pay attention when sitting and walking around gravel and rocky areas. You may also encounter Milk snakes in these areas. These red, yellow, and black banded snakes mimic Coral snakes, which are extremely venomous, but found in Florida. “Red on yellow will kill a fellow, Red on Black venom lack”.
Some folks love playing with snakes, others are terrified to see them. Be aware and educated about these slithery serpents. Snakes are a special and interesting critter important in our ecosystems. Leave them alone and they will do the same.
SSSSSS!!!!
Montana Grant
