Bullsnake vs Rattlesnake: What’s the Difference?

There is often debate regarding the similarities between bullsnakes and rattlesnakes. Both of these snakes belong to the Serpentes family, of course, but their species are different. When it comes down to comparing the bull snake vs rattlesnake, what are their key differences?

Rattlesnakes belong to the Crotalinae family, also known as the pit viper family. Bullsnakes belong to the Colubridae, which includes kingsnakes, corn snakes, and garter snakes. But this isn’t where their differences end. Let’s talk more about the ways in which these two snakes differ from each other now.

Comparing Bullsnakes vs Rattlesnakes

The 4 Key Differences Between Bullsnakes vs Rattlesnakes

There are key differences that separate bull snakes vs rattlesnakes. Bullsnakes are non-venomous, and tend to kill using constriction. Rattlesnakes utilize venom and warn potential predators away using a rattle, something that the bullsnake does not possess. The markings on bullsnakes are also different from the markings on rattlesnakes, though it can be difficult to tell them apart at first.

Let’s dive a little deeper into what makes the bullsnake and the rattlesnake so different. 

Bull Snakes vs Rattlesnakes: How They Kill

Bullsnakes and rattlesnakes both eat similar things, given that they are carnivorous snakes. However, the way that they kill their prey is very different. Bullsnakes constrict their meals before swallowing them whole, while rattlesnakes choose to use their powerful venom to achieve this same result.

Rattlesnakes also have an advantage over bullsnakes in the way that they hunt. Rattlesnakes have a facial pit that allows them to sense prey in the night, a pit viper feature that bullsnakes do not share.

Bullsnakes vs Rattlesnakes: Venomous or Not?

Another key difference between bullsnakes and rattlesnakes is their venom. Bullsnakes are non venomous, meaning they can bite you but will not inject venom. Rattlesnakes are another story altogether: they have a fairly potent venom that can even kill grown adults if left untreated.

However, this isn’t to say that rattlesnakes are inherently more aggressive than bullsnakes– far from it. Bullsnakes are regarded as a much more aggressive species than rattlesnakes are, capable of pursuing predators far more than rattlesnakes do. While rattlesnakes are more dangerous overall, they tend to be a much shyer snake than bullsnakes are.

Bullsnakes vs Rattlesnakes: Head Shape and Body Markings

Bullsnake vs rattlesnake markings is another big difference between the two species. While it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two upon first glance, there are ways you can tell the snakes apart based on their markings alone.

Rattlesnakes have a much more unique and distinct pattern along their back when compared to bullsnakes. They can have a striped or diamond pattern, earning some species of rattlesnakes the name “diamondback”. They are also found in more colors than bullsnakes are, ranging from dark brown all the way to pink!

Bullsnakes can be patterned as well, but it is often more muddled or splotchy when compared to a rattlesnake. Most bullsnakes are a light yellow or brown color, with orange or red markings, all faded. 

Bullsnakes vs Rattlesnakes: Presence of a Rattle

Another telltale difference between bullsnakes vs rattlesnakes is the presence of a rattle. Rattlesnakes are well known for their unique rattling tails, and they use these tails as a warning for predators that try to get too close. Bullsnakes possess no rattle at the end of their tails, but they do something that may confuse you at first.

Bullsnakes are excellent mimics, capable of emitting a low growling or rattling sound from within. They coil up similarly to rattlesnakes as well, and this mimicry may be something that confuses people when trying to tell the difference between bullsnakes vs rattlesnakes.

How Do You Keep Snakes Away?

While snakes in the wild serve a valuable purpose by keeping down rodent populations, some people are just unable to see the good in these slithering serpents. You especially would not want one slipping into your home unannounced! So what are some ways to keep snakes outside where they belong, and preferably, out of your yard as well?

Below are 10 simple steps you can take to help keep the snake population down in and around your home:

1. Sealing Up Cracks–You’ll need to search the perimeter of your home for access points, warm or damp crawl spaces, or holes in your home’s foundation or near ground level. Storm drains are also attractive to snakes. Sealing these entry points appropriately is a start to keeping snakes out.
2. Removing Potential Food Sources–You may not have realized that bird feeders are potential problems, as they not only attract birds but also rodents and insects, both of which attract snakes. Outdoor pet food can have the same effect. If possible, feed your pets indoors and keep any outdoor seed or other foods in sealed containers.
3. Removing Standing Water–Standing water can attract frogs, lizards, small mammals, and snakes. Try to reduce standing water as much as possible, even if it means watering your lawn less.
4. Trapping the Snake–If there are just a few pesky snakes troubling you, you can purchase professionally-made snake traps at your local hardware store and try to snag them. Rather than killing them, consider transporting the snakes about 6 miles away and freeing them in the wild.
5. Building Strong Fences–There are special types of fences that can keep snakes out, usually made of vinyl or tight wire mesh. Consulting your local hardware store for advice can help with this strategy.
6. Employing Proper Landscaping and Maintenance–Snakes are drawn to areas of overgrown vegetation, loose debris, wood piles, or other areas where they can hide. Keeping your yard maintained regularly can help cut down on places for snakes to hang out.
7. Bringing in Domesticated Fowl–This may be an extreme solution, but domestic fowl like chickens are capable of managing snake populations, especially roosters, who protect hens and chicks from danger.
8. Luring Birds of Prey–Growing tall trees with strong branches can be a way to attract birds of prey like owls, who like to prey on snakes. Another idea would be to build a nesting box to make them feel at home.
9. Calling Wildlife Control–When all else fails, there’s always the option of calling a professional to come remove an unwanted snake from your property. Exterminators are also valuable, as they can help rid your house of rodents, which attract snakes.
10. Removing Debris and Keeping Woodpiles Off the Ground–This one is similar to #6, but focuses on woodpiles, which should not be left sitting on the ground if you want to keep snakes away. Elevating them will help deter snakes, as well as remove empty containers and piles of debris where snakes may gather.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/92968526