Tell them apart
Pine Snake vs. Central American Rattlesnake
It matters: the Central American Rattlesnake is venomous, while the Pine Snake is harmless.
Pine Snake
Pituophis melanoleucus
Harmless
- Family
- Colubridae
- Group
- Gophersnake / Bullsnake
- Size
- Large, 4–7 ft.
- Identify
- Large, blotched, with a slightly pointed snout and keeled scales — no rattle.
Central American Rattlesnake
Crotalus simus
Venomous
- Family
- Viperidae
- Group
- Rattlesnake
- Size
- Typically 2–5 ft; some species exceed 6 ft.
- Identify
- Heavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
How to tell them apart
Gophersnakes and bullsnakes mimic rattlesnakes by hissing and vibrating the tail, but they are harmless and have no rattle.
Never rely on a single feature to judge a live snake. If you cannot positively identify it, keep your distance. Informational only.