Fauna
Reptile

Bullsnake

Pituophis catenifer sayi

Also known as Blow Snake, Gopher Snake, Pine Snake

Bullsnakes are powerful, heavy-bodied constrictors that play a vital role in controlling rodent populations across North American prairies and open woodlands. When threatened, they perform an elaborate bluff display by inflating their bodies, loudly hissing through a specialized glottis flap, and rapidly vibrating their tails against dry vegetation. Females lay clutches of large, leathery eggs in underground burrows or soft, sandy soil during midsummer.

ConstrictorReptileDiurnal
Bullsnake reference
(c) Rose Zappa, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Rose Zappa · cc-by
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPocket Gopher, Vole, Ground Squirrel
Predators
  • Red-tailed Hawk
  • Coyote
  • Badger
ThreatsRoad mortality, habitat loss, human persecution
HabitatsPrairies, grasslands, oak savannas, agricultural fields
Life span12–25 years
Classification
  1. FamilyColubridae
  2. SpeciesPituophis catenifer sayi
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Non-venomous but delivers a painful bite when cornered; observe from a safe distance.
Why it is dangerous
Lacks venom but possesses sharp teeth and strong jaw pressure that can inflict deep puncture wounds and minor lacerations.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Features heavy-bodied scaling with yellow or tan ground color, dark rectangular blotches, and a distinctive pointed snout.
What to do
Step back if the snake coils, hisses loudly, or vibrates its tail, giving it an unblocked escape path.
Responsible observation
  • Give space: Allow several meters when observing defensively coiled individuals.
  • Listen closely: Listen for their loud, deep hiss, caused by an epiglottic valve.
  • Do not handle: Avoid picking up wild individuals as they will strike and bite repeatedly.
Related species
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