North Dakota ranks on the backside of the United States in terms of snake variety.
THANK GOD! I’m not a fan of snakes and by no means have been. Growing up in japanese North Dakota, I actually solely had a few encounters with garter snakes and that is about it.
My lake cabin in northeast South Dakota additionally solely has garter snakes fortunately. It does freak me out generally after I see them swimming within the water, and I’m wondering if they’ll attempt to crawl in?
Now that temperatures are on the rise in North Dakota, you may count on snakes to be extra energetic.
I’ve heard about a number of encounters individuals have had with Rattlesnakes on the Missouri River, the place a snake can be swimming on the floor of the water and can attempt to take up residency contained in the boat. I’ve learn that Game & Fish says it’s best to preserve your oar readily available in case of such an encounter. Apparently, the rattlers get confused and suppose your boat is an island. YIKES!
Getting again to North Dakota snakes.
We solely have 8 totally different species of snakes in North Dakota and solely considered one of them is venomous. The Prairie Rattlesnake is the commonest rattlesnake within the United States. It’s additionally the one venomous snake in Canada.
Bullsnakes, a nonvenomous snake in North Dakota are sometimes mistaken for Prairie Rattlesnakes. Both the Bull and Prairie Rattlesnake have a major vary west of the Missouri River, nevertheless, they will and do swim throughout the river at occasions.
It’s been effectively documented that Prairie Rattlesnakes have been increasing their vary east of the Missouri River. You can learn all about that right here.
Bullsnakes have been reported quite a few occasions close to my home south of Lincoln within the Copper Ridge Development. I really noticed one which was run over by a car a few summers again. So, it would not be unprecedented to run right into a rattlesnake on the Bismarck aspect of the river.
Here are the 8 totally different species of snakes in North Dakota.
Try to not get too creeped out.
