Common Name
bullsnake

When threatened, the bullsnake will vibrate its tail, hiss loudly, and vigorously strike.

Iowa Range
throughout Iowa

Habitat
plains and prairies, in clumps of vegetation and mammal burrows

Description
The head of the bullsnake seems disproportionately small, with a pointed snout. This yellowish snake can reach lengths of six feet. The bullsnake is covered in an average of 41 dark blotches that range in color from black to reddish-brown. The ventral area is yellow with distinct dark spots. A dark line from the eye to angle of the jaw is usually present. Scales are keeled and the anal plate is singular.