Bullsnake

Pituophis catenifer sayi

The Bullsnake, a subspecies of the Gopher Snake, is quite the actor, putting on an impressive impersonation of a rattlesnake when threatened. It flattens its head, puffs up its body, shakes its tail, hisses loudly, and strikes repeatedly. There are many subspecies of Gopher Snakes, and they vary considerably in color and pattern. They eat lots of rats and mice. In winter, they may share their dens with rattlesnakes, racers, whipsnakes, and garter snakes.

Look For : A large, robust snake with a relatively small head and a somewhat pointed snout. Dark bar from eye to corner of the mouth. Scales are keeled.

Length : 36-100".

Habitat : Pine barrens, sandhills (east), grasslands (midwest), brushlands, farms, open woodlands (west).

Range : From Montana to southern Minnesota in the north through the Great Plains to central Texas.