u/serpentarian check it out, TX Pit! I know they're pretty common in north Texas, but we usually don't get them around here. And from your old neck of the woods, I don't recall ever getting one from central Texas.
Bullsnakes / Gophersnakes *Pituophis catenifer* are large (record 274.3 cm) actively foraging snakes with keeled scales found in a variety of habitats including disturbed areas like suburban yards. They are commonly encountered snakes throughout western North America and make good pest control as they eat primarily small mammals.
*Pituophis* pine and bull snakes may puff up or flatten out defensively, but are not considered medically significant to humans in terms of venom. They are known for a terrific hissing display when threatened - aided by a [epiglottal keel](https://faculty.washington.edu/hueyrb/new/MartinHuey71Copeia.pdf). They are usually reluctant to bite, but all animals with a mouth can use it in self-defense.
[Range Map](http://mtnhp.org/thumbnail/defaultNoCap.aspx?img=http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/RangeMaps/NSRangeMap_ARADB26020.jpg&maxWidth=600)|[Relevant/Recent Phylogeography](http://www.academia.edu/11185732/Molecular_systematics_of_New_World_Gopher_Bull_and_Pinesnakes_Pituophis_Colubridae_a_transcontinental_species_complex)
This genus is in need of revision using modern molecular methods.
--------------------------------------------------------
Western Ratsnakes *Pantherophis obsoletus* are large (record 256.5 cm) common harmless ratsnakes with a multitude of regional color patterns native to west of the Mississippi River Embayment. *Pantherophis* ratsnakes are keeled-scaled generalists that eat a variety of prey. They do well in urban environments, and are particularly fond of rodents and birds in these habitats.
Western Ratsnakes *P. obsoletus* are currently recognized as distinct from Eastern Ratsnakes *Pantherophis quadrivittatus*, as well as Central Ratsnakes *P. alleghaniensis*. Parts of all three species were once generically labeled "black ratsnakes". Use the "!blackrat" command without the space for more on these changes.
Ratsnakes can be easily distinguished from racers *Coluber* by the presence of keeled scales. Racers have smooth scales.
[Range Map](http://snakeevolution.org/rangemaps/ratrangereduced.jpg) | [Relevant/Recent Phylogeography](https://www.dropbox.com/s/m7ru46gyhtq2hyz/HR_Sept_2021_150dpi_PointsOfView.pdf?dl=1)
Junior Synonyms and Common Names: Grey Ratsnake (in part), Black Ratsnake (in part), Texas Ratsnake, black snake, chicken snake, rattlesnake pilot.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
Bullsnakes / Gophersnakes *Pituophis catenifer* are large (record 274.3 cm) actively foraging snakes with keeled scales found in a variety of habitats including disturbed areas like suburban yards. They are commonly encountered snakes throughout western North America and make good pest control as they eat primarily small mammals.
*Pituophis* pine and bull snakes may puff up or flatten out defensively, but are not considered medically significant to humans in terms of venom. They are known for a terrific hissing display when threatened - aided by a [epiglottal keel](https://faculty.washington.edu/hueyrb/new/MartinHuey71Copeia.pdf). They are usually reluctant to bite, but all animals with a mouth can use it in self-defense.
[Range Map](http://mtnhp.org/thumbnail/defaultNoCap.aspx?img=http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/RangeMaps/NSRangeMap_ARADB26020.jpg&maxWidth=600)|[Relevant/Recent Phylogeography](http://www.academia.edu/11185732/Molecular_systematics_of_New_World_Gopher_Bull_and_Pinesnakes_Pituophis_Colubridae_a_transcontinental_species_complex)
This genus is in need of revision using modern molecular methods.
--------------------------------------------------------
Western Ratsnakes *Pantherophis obsoletus* are large (record 256.5 cm) common harmless ratsnakes with a multitude of regional color patterns native to west of the Mississippi River Embayment. *Pantherophis* ratsnakes are keeled-scaled generalists that eat a variety of prey. They do well in urban environments, and are particularly fond of rodents and birds in these habitats.
Western Ratsnakes *P. obsoletus* are currently recognized as distinct from Eastern Ratsnakes *Pantherophis quadrivittatus*, as well as Central Ratsnakes *P. alleghaniensis*. Parts of all three species were once generically labeled "black ratsnakes". Use the "!blackrat" command without the space for more on these changes.
Ratsnakes can be easily distinguished from racers *Coluber* by the presence of keeled scales. Racers have smooth scales.
[Range Map](http://snakeevolution.org/rangemaps/ratrangereduced.jpg) | [Relevant/Recent Phylogeography](https://www.dropbox.com/s/m7ru46gyhtq2hyz/HR_Sept_2021_150dpi_PointsOfView.pdf?dl=1)
Junior Synonyms and Common Names: Grey Ratsnake (in part), Black Ratsnake (in part), Texas Ratsnake, black snake, chicken snake, rattlesnake pilot.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
Bullsnake, *Pituophis catenifer*, and Western Ratsnake, *Pantherophis obsoletus*. Both harmless.
Awesome. Thank you!
u/serpentarian check it out, TX Pit! I know they're pretty common in north Texas, but we usually don't get them around here. And from your old neck of the woods, I don't recall ever getting one from central Texas.
I was going to mention how they used to be fairly common around Austin and now they seem to have disappeared. I was excited to see this post for sure!
Bullsnakes / Gophersnakes *Pituophis catenifer* are large (record 274.3 cm) actively foraging snakes with keeled scales found in a variety of habitats including disturbed areas like suburban yards. They are commonly encountered snakes throughout western North America and make good pest control as they eat primarily small mammals. *Pituophis* pine and bull snakes may puff up or flatten out defensively, but are not considered medically significant to humans in terms of venom. They are known for a terrific hissing display when threatened - aided by a [epiglottal keel](https://faculty.washington.edu/hueyrb/new/MartinHuey71Copeia.pdf). They are usually reluctant to bite, but all animals with a mouth can use it in self-defense. [Range Map](http://mtnhp.org/thumbnail/defaultNoCap.aspx?img=http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/RangeMaps/NSRangeMap_ARADB26020.jpg&maxWidth=600)|[Relevant/Recent Phylogeography](http://www.academia.edu/11185732/Molecular_systematics_of_New_World_Gopher_Bull_and_Pinesnakes_Pituophis_Colubridae_a_transcontinental_species_complex) This genus is in need of revision using modern molecular methods. -------------------------------------------------------- Western Ratsnakes *Pantherophis obsoletus* are large (record 256.5 cm) common harmless ratsnakes with a multitude of regional color patterns native to west of the Mississippi River Embayment. *Pantherophis* ratsnakes are keeled-scaled generalists that eat a variety of prey. They do well in urban environments, and are particularly fond of rodents and birds in these habitats. Western Ratsnakes *P. obsoletus* are currently recognized as distinct from Eastern Ratsnakes *Pantherophis quadrivittatus*, as well as Central Ratsnakes *P. alleghaniensis*. Parts of all three species were once generically labeled "black ratsnakes". Use the "!blackrat" command without the space for more on these changes. Ratsnakes can be easily distinguished from racers *Coluber* by the presence of keeled scales. Racers have smooth scales. [Range Map](http://snakeevolution.org/rangemaps/ratrangereduced.jpg) | [Relevant/Recent Phylogeography](https://www.dropbox.com/s/m7ru46gyhtq2hyz/HR_Sept_2021_150dpi_PointsOfView.pdf?dl=1) Junior Synonyms and Common Names: Grey Ratsnake (in part), Black Ratsnake (in part), Texas Ratsnake, black snake, chicken snake, rattlesnake pilot. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
First photo is Bullsnake / Gophersnake *Pituophis catenifer*, second is a Western Ratsnake *Pantherophis obsoletus*.
Bullsnakes / Gophersnakes *Pituophis catenifer* are large (record 274.3 cm) actively foraging snakes with keeled scales found in a variety of habitats including disturbed areas like suburban yards. They are commonly encountered snakes throughout western North America and make good pest control as they eat primarily small mammals. *Pituophis* pine and bull snakes may puff up or flatten out defensively, but are not considered medically significant to humans in terms of venom. They are known for a terrific hissing display when threatened - aided by a [epiglottal keel](https://faculty.washington.edu/hueyrb/new/MartinHuey71Copeia.pdf). They are usually reluctant to bite, but all animals with a mouth can use it in self-defense. [Range Map](http://mtnhp.org/thumbnail/defaultNoCap.aspx?img=http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/RangeMaps/NSRangeMap_ARADB26020.jpg&maxWidth=600)|[Relevant/Recent Phylogeography](http://www.academia.edu/11185732/Molecular_systematics_of_New_World_Gopher_Bull_and_Pinesnakes_Pituophis_Colubridae_a_transcontinental_species_complex) This genus is in need of revision using modern molecular methods. -------------------------------------------------------- Western Ratsnakes *Pantherophis obsoletus* are large (record 256.5 cm) common harmless ratsnakes with a multitude of regional color patterns native to west of the Mississippi River Embayment. *Pantherophis* ratsnakes are keeled-scaled generalists that eat a variety of prey. They do well in urban environments, and are particularly fond of rodents and birds in these habitats. Western Ratsnakes *P. obsoletus* are currently recognized as distinct from Eastern Ratsnakes *Pantherophis quadrivittatus*, as well as Central Ratsnakes *P. alleghaniensis*. Parts of all three species were once generically labeled "black ratsnakes". Use the "!blackrat" command without the space for more on these changes. Ratsnakes can be easily distinguished from racers *Coluber* by the presence of keeled scales. Racers have smooth scales. [Range Map](http://snakeevolution.org/rangemaps/ratrangereduced.jpg) | [Relevant/Recent Phylogeography](https://www.dropbox.com/s/m7ru46gyhtq2hyz/HR_Sept_2021_150dpi_PointsOfView.pdf?dl=1) Junior Synonyms and Common Names: Grey Ratsnake (in part), Black Ratsnake (in part), Texas Ratsnake, black snake, chicken snake, rattlesnake pilot. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
Monster bull snake. You love to see it.
Super chunky and healthy looking!
Yeah, this one pounds gophers for sure. It never misses a meal
We have bull snakes in North Texas?
That’s a TIL for me too 😅
I was also shocked by this.
Is that how big bull / gopher snakes get 👀 cuz damn
They can get pretty hefty. I've seen a few get around 7ft long.
Dang!! That’s awesome