Are There Snakes in Yellowstone? (And Should You Be Worried?)

Of all the questions we get while driving visitors around Yellowstone, one of the more unexpected—but surprisingly common—is:

"Are there snakes in Yellowstone?"

It’s a fair question. When most people picture Yellowstone, they think of geysers, bison, waterfalls, and wide-open skies. Snakes don’t usually come to mind. But for the cautious (or curious) traveler, here’s what you need to know.

Yes, There Are Snakes in Yellowstone

Yellowstone is home to a small number of snake species. But before you start second-guessing your plans, take a breath: only one of them is venomous, and even that one is rarely seen.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the usual suspects:

• Prairie Rattlesnake

  The park’s only venomous snake. Found mostly in the northern, lower-elevation areas—places like Lamar Valley or near Gardiner. These snakes are shy and tend to avoid human contact. If they feel threatened, they’ll typically give a warning rattle before doing anything else. He wants nothing to do with you.

• Garter Snakes

  These are the most common snakes in the park and are completely harmless. You might spot one near water or in grassy meadows, but they’re more interested in frogs and insects than in you.

• Rubber Boa

  Rare, non-venomous, and often overlooked. If you see one, consider yourself lucky—it’s a calm and secretive species that spends much of its time hidden under logs or rocks.

  
  

  

  
  

Should You Be Concerned?

In short: no. Snakes are not a major hazard in Yellowstone. Millions of people visit every year, and snake incidents are virtually nonexistent. Still, a little awareness goes a long way.

Here are a few tips:

• Stay on marked trails.

• Be aware of where you step, especially in rocky or brushy areas.

• Don’t try to handle or move any snake you encounter.

• If you hear a rattle, stop, locate the source, and back away slowly.

It’s also worth noting that rattlesnake habitat is limited to specific areas in the park, mostly where the climate is drier and warmer. If you're spending time in the geyser basins or higher-elevation forests, you're unlikely to see any snakes at all.

Let Us Handle the Roads (and the Worries)

At Old Faithful and Friends Shuttle, we offer private Yellowstone transportation so you can focus on enjoying your trip—not second-guessing where to step or how to navigate the park’s complex roads.

Why ride with us?

• Private, comfortable transportation tailored to your group

• Local drivers who know the park—and its wildlife—extremely well

• Flexible itineraries that make the most of your time in Yellowstone

• Door-to-door service with zero hassle

We offer private Yellowstone transportation that makes your experience easy, flexible, and fully focused on the good stuff. Whether you're flying in, staying in one of the gateway towns, or planning a custom itinerary through the park, we’ve got you covered.

Flying into Bozeman?

We provide door-to-door shuttle service from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) to Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re staying in Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Big Sky, or heading straight into the park, we make the connection seamless.

Staying in a gateway city?

We serve all the key Yellowstone access points:

• West Yellowstone

• Gardiner

• Cooke City

• Livingston

• Big Sky

• Bozeman

• Jackson, Wyoming

  
  

  

  
  

Whether you need a round trip from your hotel, airport pickup, or a full-day private tour with a knowledgeable local driver, we customize every ride to fit your trip.

Whether you’re heading to Old Faithful, Lamar Valley, Yellowstone Lake, or all of the above, we’ll get you there smoothly, safely, and without stress.

Ready to explore Yellowstone without the guesswork?

Reach out to Old Faithful and Friends Shuttle today to book your private transportation—and let us handle the rest.