Common name: gophersnake, bullsnake
Scientific name: Pituophis melanoleucus
How to identify them
Gophersnakes are the longest and heaviest snakes in Wisconsin. They have mottled and blotched patterns that change along their length. Sometimes it looks like three different snakes connected together! Also, they have a very noticeable triangular head shape.
Where they live
Gophersnakes live along the western part of the state in sand prairies, oak savannas, and pine and oak barrens.
What they eat
They feed primarily on small mammals and do a good job of controlling pocket gopher populations.
Did you know?
What's that hissing sound? Well, it could be a gophersnake. These harmless snakes mimic rattlesnakes by shaking their tails in dry vegetation. Sometimes they hiss loudly when someone gets near. Unlike the timber rattlesnake, the gophersnake has a heavily patterned head and a pointed tail.