In Montana, snapping turtle are present east of the Continental Divide, mostly in the Yellowstone River system and tributaries, especially the Tongue River drainage. Snapping turtles have been observed in backwaters along major rivers, at smaller reservoirs, and in smaller streams and creeks with permanent fl owing water and sandy or muddy bottoms. Conservation concerns include: nest destruction and predation; human harvest of long-lived adults; and habitat loss and degradation, including barriers that hamper movement of snapping turtles. Conservation strategies include: conserving nest areas; reviewing harvest limits; and conserving major rivers systems in Montana, including riparian habitats.

In Montana, spiny softshell are present east of the Continental Divide in the Missouri River and Yellowstone River drainages, and some of the principle tributaries. Spiny softshells occupy larger rivers and tributaries, but can also occur in lakes, ponds, rivers, pools along intermittent streams, irrigation canals, and oxbows. Conservation concerns include: habitat loss and degradation, including barriers that hamper movement of spiny softshells; nest disturbance; and incidental take from anglers. Conservation strategies include: conserving major rivers in Montana; considering a management plan for the spiny softshell or including it in another comprehensive taxonomic plan; protecting nest sites from human disturbance; and thoroughly documenting observations and incidental take.

In Montana, the western hog-nosed snake is found east of the Continental Divide throughout the prairies. However, signifi cant gaps in the known distribution remain. Little specifi c information for the state is available for habitat preference. Conservation concerns include: the poorly understood distribution and status; pet trade industry; and declines in prey (amphibians). Conservation strategies include: considering management plan for the western hog-nosed snake or including it in another comprehensive taxonomic plan; increasing education and information on reptile biology and awareness of the importance of den and nest sites; and targeting surveys (specifi c to both hog-nosed snakes and prey base) in suitable habitat to continue determining abundance and range in Montana.

In Montana, the milk-snake is found east of the Continental Divide throughout much of the prairie regions, although more observations have been reported in southeast Montana. Little specifi c information is available on habitat preferences. Conservation concerns include: poorly understood distribution, status, and biology; and declining numbers due to the pet trade industry. Conservation strategies include: considering management plan for the milksnake or including it in another comprehensive taxonomic plan; targeting surveys (specifi c to the milksnake) in suitable habitat to continue determining its range in Montana; and increasing education and information on reptile biology and awareness of the importance of den and nest sites.

The smooth greensnake is restricted to extreme northeastern Montana north of the Missouri River, at elevations below 2150 feet (655 meters). Little habitat information is available for the species in Montana. Conservation concerns include: poorly understood distribution, status, and biology in Montana. Conservation strategies include: considering a management plan for the smooth greensnakes or including it in another comprehensive taxonomic plan; targeting surveys (specifi c to the smooth greensnake) in suitable habitat to continue determining its range in Montana; recording all observation of this species to continue establishing its range in Montana; and conserving habitats where smooth greensnake occur.