MSU Extension Wildlife Specialist Snakes are one of the most feared animals in Montana, but people's fear of snakes comes from lack of understanding and superstition. Snakes are not mysterious at all, and these fascinating creatures don't deserve the anxiety many people feel about them. Of the 10 snake species found in Montana, only one, the rattlesnake, is poisonous and potentially dangerous. There are many benefits from having some snakes around the yard or garden.
Snakes are one of nature's most efficient mousetraps, killing and eating a variety of rodent pests.
While snakes will not eliminate pests, they do help keep their numbers in check. Some harmless snakes eat other snakes, including poisonous ones. Although you wouldn't want a poisonous snake around your home, snake venom can be beneficial and has been used in developing a variety of human medicines. One type of high blood pressure medicine was developed using information based on chemicals in snake venom. Researchers are conducting studies using snake poisons to develop treatments for blood and heart problems.