A Virtual Visit To Wyoming’s Biggest Rattlesnake Den [VIDEO]

Wyoming's Wind River Country Kid travels around the Cowboy State searching for fossils, antlers, and wildlife. Several years ago, he made a frightening discovery along the Medicine Wheel Scenic Byway in the Bighorn National Forest, a den full of prairie rattlesnakes.

Prairie rattlers are one of only two poisonous snakes in Wyoming. Their more venomous cousin, the midget faded rattlesnake, inhabits an isolated area around the Flaming Gorge near the Green River Basin.

Chances are, you will never encounter a midget faded rattlesnake and if you do, you might not even notice. They are masters of camouflage, ranging in color from yellow and brown to red. By the time they become adults, they blend in perfectly to the rocky terrain in southwestern Wyoming and often go undetected.

On the other hand, prairie rattlesnakes can be found out at lower elevations around the state. They usually live in southern facing, rocky outcrops like this den, which may haunt your dreams if you're afraid of snakes.