Bull Snakes in Iowa

The State of Iowa is home to 4 venomous and 24 nonvenomous snake species. Of the 28 snake species in the Hawkeye State, the bullsnake is definitely one of the most memorable. Bullsnakes are large colubrid snakes commonly found in the United States and neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico.

Their lengths and weights make them one of North America’s largest and longest snakes. The biggest bullsnakes are recorded to reach lengths of 8 feet 4 inches (2.54 meters). If you’ve ever wondered about bullsnakes in Iowa, sit tight, and let’s dive right in.

Background on Bullsnakes

The bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi) is one of the largest and longest snakes in the State of Iowa, averaging 4 to 6 feet. The biggest bullsnakes grow much longer than this and are recorded to grow to lengths of 8 feet and 4 inches (2.54 meters). These snakes are heavy and weigh an average of 2.2 to 3.3 pounds (35.2-52.8 ounces) and, on rare occasions, as much as 9.9 pounds (158.4 ounces).

Bullsnakes are often yellow with a variety of brown, white, red, or black blotching on their skin. There have been records of sightings of albino bullsnakes as well. The blotches on these snakes are often darker at the head and tail. They typically have yellow bellies with black square-like spots. Bullsnakes have narrow heads and circular pupils, with big nose shields that make it possible for them to dig into the ground in search of burrows that they often inhabit. 

Iowa Bullsnakes and Their Habits

Bullsnakes are mostly diurnal and often come out in the evenings and nights during hotter weather. Despite their heavy size, they are quick to strike when within range of prey or predator. Since they are not pit vipers, they largely depend on their forked tongue to detect prey. Their length and weight make them quite effective constrictors that take down their prey by strangulation.

Female bullsnakes lay eggs in burrows in May or April, leaving them to incubate unattended. Often, they lay up to twelve eggs which usually hatch in September or August. These baby bullsnakes average about 7.9-18.1 inches in length and sport gray color until they go through their first skin sheds. 

Since they face growing habitat loss, bullsnakes are a species of special concern in the State of Iowa, making it unlawful to capture or kill one in the state. It is also worth noting that although they are often called gopher snakes, it is more accurate to state that they are a subspecies of gopher snakes.

Are Bullsnakes Venomous?

Bullsnakes are not venomous, and while this is a point of relief, these constrictors are still quite dangerous. They also do not possess fangs, but their mouths are full of sharp teeth and can inflict painful bites on both perceived prey and predator. However, since they are rarely aggressive, humans have little to fear from bullsnakes if we respect their territories.    

What Do Bullsnakes Eat? 

Bullsnakes are carnivores. Their discreet body patterns, colors, and swift response to quick movement make these reptiles excellent hunters. They are not known to eat humans, but smaller mammals, and their diets typically consist of smaller prey such as rodents, lizards, squirrels, frogs, and birds and their eggs.

What Months Are Bullsnakes Most Active?

Bullsnakes hibernate in October until May or April when they come out again. So, if you see a long and heavy snake between September and December or the early months of the year, there is a good chance that it is not a bullsnake. 

How to Identify a Bullsnake at a Glance

Bullsnakes are often misidentified as venomous rattlesnakes. This mistake is common because they share similar looks and behaviors to rattlesnakes. They share similar patterns and colors, and both sport dull colors, but rattlesnakes possess a wider variety of colors, including orange.

A bullsnake might shake its tail when threatened, much like a rattlesnake, but it does not possess rattles. Bullsnakes keep their tails closer to the ground when they feel threatened, shaking up dry leaves to mimic the rattling sound of their venomous counterparts. Due to their thin epiglottis, bullsnakes can create a hiss akin to a rattlesnake‘s when air is pushed through it.

Despite the similarities between the two snake species, there are a number of differences between them. Bullsnakes have round pupils, unlike the slithered pupils of rattlesnakes, no pits above their noses, and narrow heads. However, bullsnakes flatten their heads when they feel threatened, mimicking the head shape of rattlesnakes. And most importantly, a rattlesnake is much more dangerous than a bullsnake.

Where to Find Bullsnakes in Iowa

Bullsnakes are found all over the State of Iowa. This statewide presence does not mean they are everywhere you go in the state. Bullsnakes prefer farmlands, forests, grasslands, and woodlands, often inhabiting burrows in the ground. They make these burrows or claim already-made ones by usurping the former occupants.

How to Avoid Bullsnakes in Iowa

Bullsnakes are not aggressive snakes, with some even known to be more docile than others. However, they do not like to be handled or approached. They give loud hisses to warn off curious humans or attackers or curl their long lengths into an S-shape to deter people.

Bullsnakes are often found inside burrows, where they also hibernate. However, they are mostly seen outside when they are hunting.

If you get too close to a bullsnake, stop moving immediately you see it or hear its hiss. Once you find where exactly the bullsnake is, slowly back away from it to avoid an attack. Bullsnakes will not attack unless provoked. You can avoid a bullsnake in the State of Iowa if you keep your eyes out and an ear to hisses in the woods.

What to Do if You Get Bitten by a Bullsnake in Iowa

Despite the lack of fangs and venom, a bite from a bullsnake can be fatal. The sharp teeth of a bullsnake can damage an artery or a vein. Also, they could contain bacteria that can be introduced into cuts leading to blood poisoning or infections. 

Once bitten by a bullsnake, it is best to contact the Iowa Poison Control Center toll-free on the number 1-800-222-1222. It is important not to attempt to treat a snake bite by yourself.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © steve estvanik/Shutterstock.com