Bullsnake vs Rattlesnake: What’s the Difference?
There is often debate regarding the similarity between bullsnakes and rattle snakes. They both belong to the same family, the Viperidae, but there are some important differences. While rattlesnakes are found throughout North America, bullsnakes are native to South America. This makes sense since rattlesnakes are typically larger and more aggressive than their smaller cousin.
When it comes down to comparing bull snakes vs rattlesnakes, what are their key difference? Here are five things you’ll want to know about these two venomous reptiles.
1. Size
Rattlesnakes tend to be bigger than bullsnakes. A typical adult male rattlesnake measures anywhere from 8 to 12 feet long, while bullsnakes usually range from 3 to 5 feet long.
2. Coloration
While most rattlesnakes are brownish or grayish in color, bullsnakes tend to be reddish or yellowish in hue.
3. Bite size
Comparing Bullsnakes vs Rattlesnakes
Bullsnakes are one of the most common snakes found throughout North America. They tend to live near water, in woodlands, and along streams. They are usually harmless and rarely bite humans.
Rattlesnakes are much rarer than bullsnakes. They prefer dry environments, such as deserts, grasslands, forests, and chaparral areas. Although rattlesnakes don’t often bite people, they do inject venom into their prey. Most bites occur when someone steps on a snake while it is sleeping.
The venom of a rattlesnake causes muscle weakness and paralysis, followed by respiratory failure, heart attack, and death. If bitten by a large rattlesnake, you should seek medical attention immediately.
The 4 Key Differences Between Bullsnakes vs Rattlesnakes
Bullsnake vs rattlesnake – How do you know which one is which? Here’s how…
1. Size
A bull snake can grow up to 5 feet long, while a rattlesnake typically grows to about 2 ½ feet.
2. Coloration
Rattlesnakes are usually black or brown, whereas bullsnakes are often reddish-brown or yellowish-orange.
3. Venom
Both types of snakes use venom, but the effects are very different. A rattlesnake’s venom causes swelling around the wound site, pain, nausea, dizziness, and muscle weakness. On the other hand, a bullsnake’s venom inhibits blood clotting, causing internal bleeding.
4. Behavior
While both species are known to bite humans, the behavior of each differs. Rattlesnakes are generally shy and avoid contact, while bullsnakes are bolder and aggressive.
Bull Snakes vs Rattlesnakes: How They Kill
The difference between a bullsnake and a rattlesnake isn’t immediately apparent. Both are considered members of the colubrid family, which contains several hundred species of snake. While they look alike, there are some key differences between the two. For example, the size of the head is one of the most obvious distinctions. A bullsnake’s head is about half the length of a rattlesnake’s. Another major difference is how each kills its prey. Bullsnakes constrict the animal, while rattlesnake bites cause massive hemorrhaging.
Bullsnakes vs Rattlesnakes: Venomous or Not?
Rattlesnake bites are extremely rare because they’re shy creatures, and they don’t like to stick around long enough to bite people. But while bullsnakes are relatively docile, they can still inflict serious injury if provoked.
In fact, one study found that bullsnakes actually outnumber rattlesnakes by about 3 to 1. And although both snakes are venomous, bullsnakes are generally less likely to attack people than rattlesnakes.
Bullsnakes vs Rattlesnakes: Head Shape and Body Markings
While it can be difficult to distinguish between the two upon first look, there are ways you could tell the snakes apart based solely on their markings.
Rattlesnakes have a very distinctive pattern along their backs, making them easy to identify even without seeing their head. Their bodies are usually black or gray while their heads are either red or yellow.
Bullsnakes are less colorful than rattlesnakes, but they do tend to have a more defined pattern. They are typically spotted or striped, though there are many different patterns that can occur.
The biggest difference between the two is their head shape. Rattlesnakes have rounder heads while bullsnakes have more triangular shaped heads. This makes the snake’s head seem longer than it actually is.Rattlesnake venom is considered one of the most deadly toxins in existence, while bullsnake venom is less toxic. However, there are some differences between the two types of snakes. For example, rattlesnakes usually have a rattle at the end their tail, while bullsnakes lack a rattle. But what about the rest of it? How do they differ?
The main difference between the two types of snake is the presence of a rattlesnake’s rattle. This is because rattlesnakes are well-known for their unique rattling tail, and they use these tail as a warning for predators. Rattlesnakes are very good at imitating sounds like those produced by birds, frogs, and even small mammals.
On the other hand, bullsnakes don’t have a rattle at all, but they can still make noise. These snakes emit a low growling or rumbling sound from within. Their ability to imitate sounds makes them excellent mimics, and this could potentially cause confusion among observers.
