How to Distinguish Bullsnakes From Rattlesnakes
- 1). Check the coloring. Bullsnakes have a dark brown to black mottling that resembles spots on their backs, but thins out down along their sides where their yellowish-white background becomes more apparent. Rattlesnakes have more of an overall tan body color with more readily discernible darker brownish spots, separated by lighter-colored bands, running along their backs.
- 2). Observe if the tail is held high or low. Rattlesnakes will usually elevate their segmented tails above their bodies and shake the rattle that gives the snake its name. Bullsnakes have no rattle, but will aggressively vibrate their tails along the ground to rustle debris, such as leaves, imitating the sound of a rattlesnake in an effort to ward off predators.
- 3). Look at the head -- the one discerning characteristic that will positively identify the two snakes. Rattlesnakes have a large, triangular-shaped head with forward-facing eyes set in the front of their skulls. Bullsnakes have a narrower, elongated head with smaller eyes set more to the sides of their skull, much like a common grass snake.
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