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Snakes in Denver, Colorado

While Denver is usually thought of as a mountainous city, most of the city and its surrounding communities are situated at the base of the nearby Rocky Mountains. The prevailing biome is closer to the Great Plains than the mountains themselves, and as a result many species of snake common to the plains are also present in the Denver area. Most of the snakes pose no threat to humans, although there are some notable exceptions.

Snakes and the City
- Most large snakes are not commonly found in the urban centers of Denver. However, small insectivores such as the striped garter snake can be spotted in parks and flowerbeds throughout the city. The blind snake, a tiny, eyeless snake resembling an earthworm, is occasionally found in cultivated soil within the city. Larger snakes are more common in the city's outskirts, and any area not heavily developed will have a snake population comparable to any countryside in Colorado.
Notable Denver Species
- The Denver area is home to a number of distinctive plains species, including bull snakes and king snakes. While these snakes are not venomous, they have been known to bite if threatened or trodden on. Bull snakes and western hognose snakes can also mimic the sound of a rattlesnake's rattle using their tongue. This can give residents quite a scare in grassy or brushy areas, although the hognose often spoils the illusion by giving up the impersonation to play dead.
Venomous Snakes
- There are only two venomous snake species native to Colorado, and the massasauga is rarely seen as far north and west as Denver. The western rattlesnake is the only venomous snake common to the Denver area. It is a large snake, capable of growing to around a meter (39 inches) in length. It is easily identified by its broad head, distinctive blotched markings and its habit of coiling and loudly rattling when threatened. It is not an aggressive snake, but is capable of delivering a dangerously venomous bite if cornered, threatened or stepped on.
Snakes and Denver Residents
- Residents of the Denver area will most commonly encounter snakes when participating in outdoor activities outside the city proper. However, snakes in this region spend the winter months hibernating in dens. Some species, notably the racer and rat snake, are known to hibernate in large groups in caves and crevices. Unfortunately, the concrete foundation of a house may resemble such a den and become host to hibernating snakes. They may also enter homes on the outskirts of the city in pursuit of food, water or warmth. Local pest control services are usually well versed in snake removal.

Animals & Science