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You’re right to question the difference between bull snakes and gopher snakes – it’s a common source of confusion.
While they’re closely related subspecies, bull snakes and gopher snakes differ in their geographical ranges and physical traits.
Bull snakes are found in central U.S., Canada, and Mexico, sporting a blunt snout for burrowing.
Gopher snakes, such as the Sonoran variety in Arizona, have a more elongated head and pointed nose.
These physical distinctions reflect their differing burrowing and hunting behaviors.
The differing regional usage of common names adds another layer of complexity – one this overview aims to clarify.
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Bull snakes and gopher snakes are closely related subspecies with different geographical ranges and physical traits.
- Bull snakes are found in the central U.S., Canada, and Mexico, while gopher snakes are found in central and southern Arizona.
- Bull snakes have a blunt snout for burrowing, while gopher snakes have an elongated head and pointed snout.
- Both species are beneficial for rodent control and have similar habitat and behavior preferences.
Distribution and Range
In the Southwestern United States, a common source of confusion is the identification of Bullsnakes and Gophersnakes.
While Bullsnakes aren’t found in Arizona, all snakes commonly referred to as Bullsnakes or Gophersnakes in the state are actually Gophersnakes.
In Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima counties, specifically, all Gophersnakes are Sonoran Gophersnakes.
Bullsnakes and Gophersnakes belong to the same species, Pituophis catenifer, and Arizona has two subspecies of Gophersnakes: Sonoran Gophersnakes and Great Basin Gophersnakes.
The Bullsnake, a subspecies of the Gophersnake, is found throughout the central U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with its range ending in West Texas and eastern New Mexico, where it intergrades with Sonoran Gophersnakes.
Physical Characteristics
When contrasting the physical characteristics of Bullsnakes and Gophersnakes, it’s crucial to grasp that Bullsnakes aren’t present in Arizona, and all snakes commonly referred to as Bullsnakes or Gophersnakes in Arizona are actually Gophersnakes. Gophersnakes can be found in central and southern Arizona, and they’re harmless, advantageous for rodent control, and are frequently mistaken for rattlesnakes due to their superficial resemblance.
Bullsnakes, on the other hand, are found in the central U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with their range in the Southwest ending in West Texas and eastern New Mexico. They’re brown, large, non-venomous snakes with dark blotches and white edges on their bellies. Bullsnakes can grow up to 6 feet long and are often mistaken for Gophersnakes.
In terms of physical characteristics, here are four key points to examine:
- Scalation: Bullsnakes and Gophersnakes have distinct scales. Bullsnakes have a blunt rostral scale for burrowing lifestyle, while Gophersnakes have an elongated head and pointed nose.
- Size: Gophersnakes can be very large, with adults commonly exceeding 5 feet or more in length. Bullsnakes are also large, reaching lengths up to 8 feet.
- Coloration: Bullsnakes are brown, while Gophersnakes have a tan, cream, yellow, orange-brown, or pale gray base coloration with large, brown, reddish brown, black, or olive blotches on their back.
- Head shape: Bullsnakes have a small head, while Gophersnakes have a larger head with a pointed nose.
Comprehending these physical differences can assist you in accurately identifying Bullsnakes and Gophersnakes in their respective habitats.
Habitat and Behavior
The habitat and behavior of Bullsnakes and Gophersnakes are quite similar, as they’re both found in sandy open country and prefer well-drained, loose soil. Gophersnakes, also known as Bullsnakes, are burrowing snakes and are known for their fossorial behavior, which involves digging burrows to hunt for prey such as pocket gophers, meadow mice, voles, shrews, ground squirrels, rabbits, squirrels, birds, and bird’s eggs. They’re oviparous and lay their eggs in burrows, under logs or rocks, or other humid protected areas in late June or early July.
Both species are beneficial for rodent control and are active from April to October. Bullsnakes have a larger home range and are known for their large size, reaching lengths over eight feet. They’re also known for their defensive tactics, which include hissing loudly, thrashing about, vibrating their tail, and may bite when threatened.
Common Name Confusion
Common Names: A Matter of Origin and Evolution
Common names for snakes can be confusing, especially regarding species such as Bullsnakes and Gophersnakes. The origins of these names are frequently linked to the snake’s appearance, behavior, or geographic distribution. However, as our understanding of taxonomy and genetics has evolved, common names have become less precise than Latin nomenclature.
The term Bullsnake is a misnomer. In reality, Bullsnakes are a subspecies of Gophersnakes, specifically Pituophis catenifer sayi. This subspecies is found in the central U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with its range concluding in West Texas and eastern New Mexico. The name Bullsnake is a regionalism, with the species being more commonly known as Gophersnakes in the western United States.
Similarly, the term Gophersnake is used interchangeably with Bullsnake in Arizona, where both species are actually Sonoran Gophersnakes. This regional usage emphasizes the significance of comprehending the background and origin of common names when identifying snakes.
Conservation Status
- Population trends: Insufficient data exist to document abundance or population trends for Bullsnakes in Canada. Declines from historical levels are inferred from road mortality and habitat loss.
- Threats to survival: The species is especially vulnerable to increased mortality due to its low abundance, late maturity, and low rate of productivity.
- Conservation measures: No recovery strategy has been implemented for the Pacific Gophersnake in Canada, as it’s geographically isolated from existing populations and the active season isn’t long enough for females to reproduce every year.
- Habitat loss: Bullsnakes are found in short-grass prairie, mixed grassland, cypress upland, and moist mixed grassland habitats in Saskatchewan. Urban sprawl, conversion of pasture into cropland, and shading of habitats pose threats to Bullsnake populations.
Bullsnakes and Gophersnakes, both subspecies of the Gophersnake species Pituophis catenifer, play important roles in their ecosystems. Bullsnakes are beneficial for rodent control and are found in the central U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Gophersnakes, including the Sonoran Gophersnake in Arizona, are harmless and beneficial for rodent control. Understanding the conservation status of these species is essential for their protection and the preservation of their habitats.
Conclusion
Distinguishing between bull snake vs gopher snake, consider the hypothetical scenario where you encounter one in the wild. Carefully observe its range, physical traits, habitat, and behavior to accurately identify the species. By understanding these critical differences, you’ll contribute to conservation efforts and enrich your knowledge of these fascinating serpents.
