NPS Photo by Kevin Jackson

Bullsnake - Pituophis melanoleucus

Bullsnakes (Pituophis melanoleucus) live in clumps of vegetation and the burrows of small mammals. Bullsnakes are known as constrictors. After catching their prey in their mouths they immediately wrap their body around the animal and begin to "constrict" or squeeze until the animal suffocates.

Because of their ability to constrict and relax individual muscles, bullsnakes are able to climb trees in search of eggs and small birds to be used as food. This helps to keep the population of these small animals in check. Bullsnakes occupy a range from the central plains to arid regions of the southwest.