Read About Bull Snake

A Bull Snake may look threatening, but they make good pets once they are used to being handled. Everything you need to know about them is contained in this article.

Bull Snake - Facts

1. Description:

   Bull snakes are a large, constricting species generally found in the plains from southern Canada to northern Mexico. They are non-venomous and otherwise harmless.

2. Varieties:

   Three types of bull snakes are the Common bull snake, the Western bull snake, and the Pine snake.

3. History:

   The bull snake is a member of the family Colubridae. They are found over most of North America.

4. Physical Traits:

   Bull snakes have rather large bodies and small heads, and reach up to 5 feet in length and weigh between 4-8 pounds. They are typically yellowish-brown in color, with dark blotches.

5. Other Defining Characteristics:

   Bull snakes hiss and thrash about when they are threatened.

6. Habitat:

   Bull snakes thrive in sandy, open country. They love to sun themselves to keep warm.

Bull Snake - Concerns

1. Benefits:

   Bull snakes may live for up to 30 years in captivity, and can be a fascinating pet.

2. Liabilities:

   A bull snake may bite if mishandled or feeling threatened.

3. Health Issues:

   Bull snakes may suffer from mouth rot, parasites, dehydration, regurgitation and burns if they are not properly fed and cared for.

4. Specific Care Needs:

   Bull snakes kept as pets need to be fed just as much as they are in the wild, although they should be trained to eat dead or incapacitated prey, rather than live.

5. Reaction to Children and other Pets:

   A bull snake may hiss and thrash about around children, and may attempt to attack or bite children and other pets, so caution is advised.

6. Special Household Needs:

   Snakes need room to stretch out and move about, so they need rather large enclosures. They should also have a place to hide when it feeds or just wants to be alone. They need a temperature between 70-80 degrees F. If natural sunlight is not available, an ultraviolet light source is needed for warmth.

Bull Snake - How to Choose

1. What to Look for:

   A bull snake should have clear eyes, and be active, and should appear generally healthy in all respects.

2. Supplies:

   Other than the aquarium, a snake should have a shielded heating source (to prevent burns), and something to climb on, such as a large branch.

3. Expense:

   The biggest expense in owning a bull snake will probably be the food supply.