Deadly Snakes of Idaho
I am terrified of snakes!! The are creepy, crawly, gross! What snakes could you cross paths with here in Idaho? Here's what you need to know!
I found a snake in my backyard over the weekend and it completely freaked me out! Luckily it was harmless, but I wanted to know what snakes cause trouble and which ones are just nasty looking?
The 4 snakes below are the most common snakes found here in Idaho, but according to The Idaho Statesman you may also run into these less common snakes.
- common gartnersnake
- Northern Rubber Boa
- Ring-necked snake
- desert nightsnake
- western groundsnake
- long-nosed snake
- striped whipsnake
- prairie rattlesnake
- 1
The Western Rattlesnake
This is the only deadly poisonous snake in Idaho. They are usually found in rocky areas, but leery around water because they can be found there too! This rattler has a triangle shaped head, the famous rattler on his tail, and a mature rattlesnake is about 3 feet long, although baby rattlers are the most dangerous. They like cool places and are nocturnal, so be particularly careful around nightfall and sunrise.
- 2
North American Racer
You'll find these snakes primarily in the Boise Foothills. They are a greenish/grey color with a yellow belly as adults and they move very fast in a gliding motion.
- 3
Gophersnakes
Also known as bullsnakes, these snakes mimic rattlers so, you might be mistaken, but if you pay close attention you'll realize they don't have a rattle on their tail. Gophersnakes do bite and it's painful, so stay clear.
- 4
Terrestrial Gartner Snake
This is the most common water snake in Idaho and the one I found in my back yard! Totally creeped me out, but apparently they are harmless. They will bite you if they are provoked but they are not considered aggressive.