Sometimes a gopher snake (also called bull snake) is mistaken for a rattlesnake. Their coloration and markings are similar, gopher snakes can be very large, they can inflate their head into a diamond shape (similar to a rattlesnake), and when threatened they can hiss, vibrate their tail and produce a sound similar to that of a rattlesnake, and strike. However, gopher snakes are not poisonous; they are a constrictor. While some rattlesnakes do not have rattles, all rattlesnakes have a vertical pupil whereas gopher snakes have a round pupil. See images below.

Images below: Montana wildlife: Gophersnake or Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer), Montana, USA.

Gophersnake or Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer), Montana, USAGophersnake or Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer), Montana, USA Gophersnake or Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer), Montana, USAGophersnake or Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer), Montana, USA

Image below: Prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis), Montana, USA

Prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis), Montana, USAPrairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis), Montana, USA

Click here for images of gopher snakes or bull snakes.

Click here for images of prairie rattlesnakes.

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