Yellowstone National Park is one of the biggest and most popular parks in the United States. Given its size, it’s also home to a wide range of species.
While Yellowstone National Park is not famous for its reptile diversity, it’s important to mention that it’s home to many snakes. Today, we will meet the largest snake living in Yellowstone National Park, the bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi).
Bullsnake, The Largest Snake In Yellowstone National Park
The bullsnake is the largest snake that can be found in Yellowstone. This type of snake can reach 50–72 inches in length. Besides that, they have large and thick bodies that can measure around 3–4 inches in diameter.
Their Appearance May Trick You
The bullsnakes resemble rattlesnakes a lot and can even mimic their behavior, such as shaking their tails when threatened, even though they don’t have a true rattle.
Despite their resemblance to rattlesnakes, it’s important to mention that they’re not venomous. Still, seeing any type of snake is never a pleasant experience.
Colors And Other Physical Traits
Bullsnakes typically display yellow or brown coloring with square-shaped dark blotches running down their backs. They have small heads, round pupils, and distinctive vertical bars extending from their lower to upper lips.
Bullsnake’s Habitat
These snakes can often be seen in the lower elevations of the park. They prefer warmer places and dry climates. The bullsnakes usually live in small burrows, a place where they also hunt their prey. Because of that, they’re often called ‘gopher snakes.’
Bullsnake’s Potential Prey
Bullsnakes feed on a variety of prey, including moles, mice, rats, gophers, squirrels, eggs, and birds. Once they catch the prey, they slowly squeeze it until the creature dies of asphyxiation.
All In All
Though Yellowstone is home to several snake species, the bullsnake stands out as the largest. While non-venomous, bullsnakes may bite if threatened.
If you encounter one during your visit, remember to respect their habitat and admire them from a safe distance.