NPS photo
Bullsnake
The
Bullsnake (
Pituophis melanoleucus ssp. affinis), also known as the gopher snake, is non-venomous and widespread throughout North America. A bullsnake can grow to a length of 4 to 8 feet, and is tan with darker brown blotches on the back and a banded black and tan tail. This snake, while looking similar to the rattlesnake, often acts like a rattler as well; when threatened, the bullsnake will hiss, flatten its head, and shake its tail. Unfortunately, this leads to many humans killing bullsnakes, believing that is indeed a rattlesnake. The Bullsnake frequents deserts, prairie, brushland, woodland, coniferous forests, and farmland. It is active chiefly by day, except in hot weather.