Can you tame a bull snake?

Bullsnakes (Pituophis catenifer sayi) are very easy to keep in captivity, especially if they are from captive-bred stock. If you follow a few simple husbandry techniques, these large members of the colubrid family can be rewarding and enjoyable to keep.

Do bull snakes help keep rattlesnakes away?

Bullsnakes do not repel rattlesnakes; they’re both snakes, and each species wants about the same thing out of life—to eat, and make little snakes. Bullsnakes and rattlesnakes may not be bosom buddies, but they don’t repel each other like bug spray to mosquitoes.

Will a bull snake eat a rattlesnake?

The myths, debunked: 2. Bullsnakes eat rattlesnakes: A thorough search of the literature and discussions with researchers who study both snakes has revealed next to nothing that supports the idea that bullsnakes eat rattlesnakes. Bullsnakes are primarily consumers of warm-blooded prey.

Are bull snakes docile?

Though some bullsnakes can be docile, and with some time become accustomed to handling, most are quite defensive. When bullsnakes detect live objects too big to be prey, they seem to perceive the object as a predator and take defensive action.

Are Bullsnakes good for beginners?

Despite all of that, bull snakes, scientifically known as Pituophis catenifer, are easy to keep for the experienced snake owner. (Thanks to their borderline belligerent attitude, they are probably not a good choice for a beginner.)

What are Bullsnakes good for?

Sometimes called a gopher snake, these guys do our habitats a huge service by keeping down vermin populations. Bull snakes eat mice, rats, rabbits, large insects and they keep down rattlesnake populations.

What happens if a bull snake bites you?

Bull snake bites will not cause acute poisoning, but if left untreated, they may get badly infected. Depending on the exact strains of bacteria present and the severity of the bite, an untreated bull snake bite may eventually lead to blood poisoning, which could spread throughout the body and cause systemic damage.

Are bull snakes harmless?

The bullsnake is non-venomous and kills its prey by strangulation. However, it can inflict a painful bite. When threatened, a bullsnake can mimic a venomous rattlesnake by puffing up its body, shaking its tail, and hissing.

Will a bull snake eat a cat?

Yes snakes do eat cats. While cats aren’t natural prey for snakes, snakes are opportunists who will eat small mammals.

Does a bull snake bite hurt?

If you are bitten by a bull snake, get to a doctor’s office as soon as possible. The bite will likely be very painful, and the sooner you get treatment, the lower your risk of infection. Bull snake bites likely won’t require emergency treatment unless the bite punctured an artery or vein and is bleeding severely.

Why are they called Bullsnakes?

Common to other snakes in the Pituophis genus, these snakes have a thin and flexible epiglottis that, when air from the trachea is forced through it, creates a loud hiss that has been described as similar to the grunt of a bull, likely giving the snake its common name (Schmidt & Davis 1941).

How big of a tank does a Bullsnake need?

For most adults a 4′ x 2′ x 2′ size works well for a traditional vivarium. The height is not that important as these are mainly terrestrial snakes, although the height to allow some climbing is appreciated by many specimens.