A large non-venomous constrictor with bold black-on-white pattern. Known for fierce defensive displays (loud hissing, head-shaking, false strikes) when threatened — but completely harmless.

Also called: Pine Snake, Bullsnake (regional)

Native status: Native to southeastern US; subspecies state- and federally listed

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 120–230 cm (48–90 in); maximum 250 cm
Weight1.0–4.5 kg
LifespanWild typically 15+ years; captive 25+
OrderSquamata
FamilyColubridae

§ Encyclopedia

Pituophis melanoleucus, commonly known as the eastern pine snake, is a species of nonvenomous snake in the family Colubridae. The species is native to the southeastern United States. Three subspecies are traditionally recognized as being valid, though taxonomic changes may be occurring.

Source: Wikipedia — Pituophis melanoleucus Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Large heavy-bodied snake with pointed snout; cream-to-tan body marked with large dark brown to black blotches; northern subspecies more contrasted than black pine snake subspecies (which is nearly all black).

Similar species. Bull Snake (different range; similar size). Eastern Indigo Snake (uniform blue-black). Eastern Ratsnake (different proportions, climbing habit).

Voice. Loud sustained hiss using amplified airway; vibrates tail.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Small mammals (rodents primarily), bird eggs, small birds, lizards. Kills by constriction.

Behavior. Large impressive non-venomous snake of southeastern pine flatwoods and sandhills. State-threatened in New Jersey (northern subspecies) and federally threatened (black pine snake subspecies in Alabama-Mississippi). Among the most powerful hissers in the snake world — uses enlarged epiglottis to amplify defensive hissing, sometimes mistaken for a rattlesnake at distance. Excavates underground burrow systems; uses gopher tortoise burrows where available.

§ Range

Eastern US (declining)

§ Habitat

Pine forests, sandhills, open longleaf pine

§ Threats

Loss of longleaf pine habitat, road mortality, persecution from misidentification.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the northern pine snake is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support longleaf pine restoration. Don't kill snakes. Slow down on rural roads in pine country.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USFWS Black Pinesnake Recovery
  • The Orianne Society
  • Davidson College Department of Biology
  • IUCN Red List 2007