Bullsnake
(Pituophis catenifer)
Figure 1: Bullsnake head. Note the heavily patterned scales,
the dark bars on the scales of the mouth and the pointed snout. Compare
this to the fox snake and milk snake below.
Figure 3: Bullsnake Distribution Map
Figure 2: Bullsnake from overhead. Note that the body is heavily
patterned, with few isolated "blotches" on the back. Also note the rings
around the tail or back 1/3 or the body. Compare this to the fox snake
and milk snake below.
Family: Colubridae
Size: 50-80 in.
Status: Protected Wild Animal
Bullsnake possession disclaimer:
Bullsnakes are a Protected Wild Animal in Wisconsin, making it illegal for them to be possessed by members of the public without proper permits from the Department of Natural Resources. It is therefore recommended that, when documenting observations, snakes be photographed and not handled or captured. Furthermore, bullsnakes cannot be removed from the point of observation.
Description and behavior: Bullsnakes are the largest snake species native to the Upper Midwest, and can exceed 74 inches in length. Their coloration is highly variable, with the body often having three somewhat distinct patterns along its length. The head and neck is usually dominated by black mottling on white or tan. The middle section supports brown blotches (large and prominent on the back and smaller and less defined on the sides) on a yellowish background. The tail end is often distinctly ringed in black or dark brown on yellow or gold (Fig 2). The head is thicker and more pointed than most snakes (Fig 1). The scales below the eyes are often heavily barred with black.
When threatened, bullsnakes often coil in place and arch their necks. This posture is usually accompanied by loud "huffing" or "hissing" sounds that may be audible from some distance. If it is further molested and not given the option to retreat, the snake will not hesitate to strike. A bite received from a bullsnake will bleed freely, but causes only superficial cuts and is not serious.
Things to Consider:
- Bullsnakes are often found in open canopy upland habitats with dry, sandy soils (such as prairies, oak savannahs, pastures, and meadows).
- Primary habitats are often adjacent to open bluff faces with exposed limestone outcroppings.
- Because rodents are a primary food source, bullsnakes may be found in agricultural settings where they feed on rats, mice and gophers.
- Although bullsnake observations have occurred in many regions of Wisconsin, they are more likely to be encountered in the southern, south-central, south-western, and western portions of the state (Fig. 3). If the habitat is correct, however, they may be found elsewhere.
- Bullsnakes are often mistaken for eastern milk snakes (Lampropeltis triangulum; Figs 4 & 5) and western fox snakes (Elaphe vulpina; Figs 6 & 7). Review the accompanying figures to insure that the snake you have encountered is a bullsnake.
Learn more about the bullsnake and report your sightings
Bullsnake Lookalikes
Eastern Milk Snake
Figure 4: Eastern milk snake head. Note the rounded snout and "Y"- or "V"- shaped marking on top of the head. |
Figure 5: Eastern milk snake from above. Note the isolated, saddle-shaped blotches that are rusty brown or reddish and outlined with a dark border. Also note the grayish background color. |
Western Fox Snake
Figure 6: Western fox snake head. Note the lack of heavy patterning on the head, which is yellowish/brown or copper/brown in coloration. Also note the rounded snout. |
Figure 7: Western fox snake from above. Note the isolated saddle-shaped blotches that are dark brown over a yellow/brown background. Unlike the eastern milk snake, these blotches are not outlined with a dark border. |
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Read more about the "Snakes of Wisconsin," |
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