Raising Bullsnake

Book excerpt: The North American bull snake is a harmless snake species. Pituophis catenifer is the scientific name for bull snakes, which are colubrid snakes. Bull snakes are easily mistaken for rattlesnakes due to their similar appearance; however, rattlesnakes have venomous fangs while bullsnakes do not. - Bullsnakes are extremely large snakes that can grow to a whopping 8 feet (2.4 meters) in length! Their characteristic dark blotches or bands on a lighter background may take on different hues and styles depending on their geographic range. Grasslands, prairies, deserts, and open woodlands are common habitats for these animals because of their skill as burrowers and the fact that they eat small mammals, birds, and even reptiles. They have a powerful constricting ability that they employ to kill their prey by immobilizing it. - Bullsnakes are beneficial because they help reduce rodent populations and pose no threat to humans. They are not aggressive and prefer to avoid confrontations with humans, despite their tendency to hiss loudly and swell up when threatened. Bullsnakes are popular among reptile enthusiasts and are sometimes kept as pets because of their unique appearance and usefulness in reducing pest populations.