Bull Snake

The bull snake is known by the scientific name of Pituophis catenifer sayi. Their habitat include the central parts of USA, western Canada and northern Mexico. It is a subspecies of Pituophis catenifer or Gopher snake.

Facts About the Bull Snake

Most of the bull snakes have a length that is greater than 8 feet. These are therefore, amongst the longest snakes found in America. Other long snakes from this region are the rattlesnake and indigo snake. Colors of these snakes range from brown, yellow, black to red. Red color appears in the form of blotches. There are certain specific patterns for the red coloration which are explained as follows: the top portion of this snake has fat blotches. On the sides of the body of bulls snakes, 3 sets of spots can be found. The tail of these snakes possess black colored bands.

Behavioral Patterns
These snakes are defensive in nature and most of us perceive these creature to possess a bad attitude. It is however, necessary to understand that they can be handled without much difficulty once a person gets accustomed to them. They are in fact, very much docile. These snake display aggression only if they feels threatened. One should therefore, be careful while dealing with these snakes.

Feeding Habit
The diet of bull snakes includes a variety of animals, insects and birds. The rats, mice and large insects form an important part of the diet. Lizards, birds and other snakes also are an important part of the diet of these snakes. The mechanism of constriction is used by bull snakes in killing the prey.

Reproduction
The breeding season of bull snakes starts about March. Eggs are laid in the months starting from April to June. Dozens of eggs are laid by them at a time. These snakes lay their eggs in protected areas including sand. The eggs are left for incubation in such protected areas. Hatching of the eggs takes place in months of August and September. The young ones are 8-18 inches in length. Until the first shed, color of the small snakes remains gray.

As Pets
Proper care should help them attain a length of 6 feet in about 2 years. They spend most of their time on ground. However, they are also considered as good climbers. These snakes remain active both at night and day. A floor space of 18 inch. x 48 inch is necessary for keeping bull snakes as pets. A water tank with 75 gallon capacity is required. The temperature that needs to maintained at night ranges from 72-75 °F. For day time, this temperature range is 82-88 °F.

How to Handle
These snakes can sense the movement around them with ease. However, one can approach these snakes from sides. It is necessary to move slowly and carefully towards these snakes. They can detect fast movements quite easily.

Bull Snakebite
The bite of bull snakes can result into bleeding and it also hurts a lot. One should, however, not worry much as the snakebite is not harmful. The aggressive demeanor of these snakes should not be confused with actual danger. Their hissing sound makes it appear dangerous.

Behavioral pattern, habitat and related snake facts about this creature can be understood in a better manner with the facts presented above.