The largest snake found in Yellowstone National Park
The largest snake in Yellowstone National Park is the bullsnake. Bullsnakes are unique snakes in that they look similar to rattlesnakes and even mimic them in some instances. Although they look somewhat similar to venomous rattlers, they are actually quite harmless. Bullsnakes are related to gopher snakes, a group of snakes that can be found across most of the United States. Let’s learn a bit about them.
A complete breakdown of the bullsnake
Bullsnakes are the largest snakes that can be found in Yellowstone. Most individuals measure between 50-72 inches long, or nearly 6 feet. In addition to their length, bullsnakes are relatively large-bodied, around 3-4 inches in diameter at their thickest. When it comes to appearance, they can resemble rattlesnakes, even though they aren’t venomous. They generally have black, brown, or reddish-brown blotches down their backs, usually in a square shape. The squares are usually darker near the head and tail, and the “base” color of the snake is yellow, creating some decent contrast. Their heads are small, although they have the ability to flatten them when threatened. Additionally, they will shake their tails in a defensive behavior to mimic a rattlesnake, although they don’t have a true rattle. Bullsnakes are generally found in the lower elevations of the park. They mostly prefer warmer areas with a dry climate, especially near open ground. An example of their prime habitat would be the Mammoth region within the park. They live in small burrows, which is also where they hunt prey, hence the name “gopher snakes.” Bullsnakes eat small mammals and hunt using construction, not venom. Once they bite prey, they slowly squeeze it until it dies of asphyxiation. They eat a variety of prey, including mice, moles, rats, gophers, squirrels, eggs, birds, and other reptiles and snakes.
The largest venomous snake in Yellowstone National Park
Although the bullsnake is the largest reptile in Yellowstone, it isn’t the most dangerous. The largest and most venomous snake within the park is the prairie rattlesnake. The prairie rattlesnake is a venomous pit viper related to other rattlesnakes, plus copperheads and cottonmouths. Using venom and heat-sensing pits on their snouts, pit vipers effectively hunt prey and defend themselves from predators.
A complete breakdown of the prairie rattlesnake
Prairie rattlesnakes are the second-largest snakes in Yellowstone and the largest (and only) venomous snakes in the park. They generally grow to 48 inches long and are extremely thick-bodied snakes. Like all rattlesnakes, the prairie rattler can be identified through the heat-sensing pits along its snout and the distinct rattle on its tail. Additionally, prairie rattlesnakes have a banding pattern across their backs. These bands don’t encircle the snake but extend to the sides of it. The bands are dark brown or tan and are often ringed in white. Additionally, prairie rattlesnakes have heavily keeled scales, meaning you can clearly see the separation between each of them, and their skin doesn’t look smooth to the touch. Prairie rattlesnakes live in the lower elevation areas of the park, namely in places like Reese Creek, Stephens Creek, and Rattlesnake Butte. They prefer warm, dry areas, and these locations are the warmest and driest locations in the park. Prairie rattlesnakes use powerful venom to hunt prey and defend themselves. They generally prefer small mammals but will also eat birds and reptiles. Common prey includes squirrels, mice, rats, prairie dogs, rabbits, and other snakes. Despite their powerful venom, rattlesnakes are much more defensive than offensive and prefer to avoid humans at all costs. In fact, the park has only two documented cases of bites throughout its entire history of the park. If you encounter a snake, just leave it be!
What other snakes live in Yellowstone National Park?
Besides the two listed, there are a few other reptiles you could encounter in the park. Rubber boas are cute burrowing snakes that are closely related to boa constrictors and pythons. These snakes are becoming more popular as pets due to their unique appearance and great temperaments. They generally grow to 28 inches long at a maximum and spend most of their day buried under the soil. There are two species of garter snake that live within the park; the common garter snake and the terrestrial garter snake. Both species are harmless to humans and grow to be between 2-3 feet long. They are extremely common across the country and are the most common snakes found in the park. Common garter snakes have black bodies with three yellow stripes running down their bodies, one along the spine and two on the sides. Additionally, they have red spots between the spine stripe and side stripes on either side. The terrestrial garter snake is a brown or tan color and has the same style of stripes, only in white or cream.
Are there poisonous snakes in Yellowstone National Park?
Prairie rattlesnakes are the only dangerously venomous snakes in Yellowstone. Prairie snakes use powerful venom to hunt prey and defend themselves. They generally prefer small mammals but will also eat birds and reptiles. Common prey includes squirrels, mice, rats, prairie dogs, rabbits, and other snakes.
