Rattlesnake Hotspots: Where to Watch Your Step in Montana

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As the weather warms up in Montana, more people are spending time outdoors and encountering wildlife - including the state's only venomous snake, the rattlesnake. According to experts, there are a few key 'hotspots' around the state where your chances of running into a rattlesnake go up, including the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Yellowstone National Park, the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, and the Rimrocks of Billings.

Why it matters

Rattlesnakes may be the only venomous snake in Montana, but they can still pose a serious threat if encountered. Knowing the areas where they are most commonly found can help people take extra precautions and avoid potential run-ins, reducing the risk of snakebites.

The details

Rattlesnakes tend to stick to dry, desert-like terrain and areas with plenty of hiding spots, such as tall grass, rock outcroppings, and sagebrush-covered landscapes. The Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Yellowstone National Park, the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, and the Rimrocks of Billings all provide the ideal habitat for these snakes to thrive.

• As the weather warms up in the spring, more people start spending time outdoors in Montana.