If you live in Montana, you probably already know that the region is home to many species of snakes. There are ten species in total, one of which is venomous (the prairie rattlesnake). However, several of these species are constrictors. One of the largest constrictors in the state is the bullsnake, which is a subspecies of the gopher snake. Bullsnakes are fascinating animals that can be quite beneficial to have around. So, today we’ll tell you everything about bullsnakes — including how to identify them, where they live, and whether they are dangerous to humans.
What is a Bullsnake?
The bullsnake can grow as long as eight feet.
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Bullsnakes are large snakes that are found across a large part of North America, with their range extending from Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada, through the Midwestern region of the US, and down to the northern region of Mexico. Bullsnakes are common across Montana. They often inhabit open areas with plenty of sandy soil, although they can also be found in woodlands, grasslands, and coniferous forests.
Appearance
The bullsnake is one of the largest snakes in North America. It has an average length of four to six feet, but specimens of up to eight feet have been recorded. They also have an average weight of 2.2 to 3.3 pounds. Unlike many other snake species, male bullsnakes are larger than females.
Bullsnakes typically have a yellow or cream-colored background with brown, black, white, or reddish blotches. The markings usually consist of larger blotches on their upper side and a series of spots along their sides. However, several different color morphs have been observed, including albino, white, red, and even patternless.
Behavior
Bullsnakes are known for their impressive defensive displays, which can often result in them being mistaken for rattlesnakes. When they are threatened, they will often rear up and lunge at the threat while attempting to retreat to safety. They also vibrate their tail in the leaf litter, replicating the sound of a rattlesnake. However, bullsnakes do not have a rattle and are not venomous. Instead, they kill by constriction and rarely bite, despite their defensive display.
Diet
As we’ve just mentioned, bullsnakes are constrictors and use their large, powerful bodies to overpower their prey. Bullsnakes eat a variety of small mammals, such as rats, mice, gophers, rabbits, and squirrels. As they often eat rodents, they are actually quite beneficial snakes to have around. However, they also eat small birds and eggs. Bullsnakes are good climbers and are even known to raid nests.
Despite their large size, bullsnakes do still fall prey themselves, with threats including foxes, coyotes, and some birds of prey.
Can a Bullsnake Hurt You?
Bullsnakes are not venomous.
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Although bullsnakes aren’t considered dangerous, they can still bite you if they feel threatened. However, they are not venomous, so their bite is not harmful. As mentioned, bullsnakes usually get into defensive mode if they perceive a threat, so you are likely to encounter a defensive display if you see one.
Bullsnakes are less active outside of the mating season, which typically occurs between March and May. Bullsnakes are fairly solitary snakes and often spend most of their time in old gopher burrows, aside from coming out to hunt. So you’re highly unlikely to see one in the area.
However, once the breeding season begins, snakes start coming out more often, and the female bullsnakes lay their eggs in sheltered areas. You might want to take greater care during spring and summer.
What Should You Do if a Bullsnake Bites You?
First, if possible, make sure it is a bullsnake; this will help you determine whether it is venomous. Clean the bite site by washing it with warm water and soap, flushing it with alcohol, and applying a clean bandage. If the wound bleeds heavily, apply direct pressure.
Even though bullsnakes are non-venomous, they carry lots of bacteria that can infect the injured. If you get bitten by a bullsnake, it is highly recommended that you seek medical attention. Severe infections are rare, but getting the needed treatment or care is essential.
Can You Keep a Bullsnake as a Pet?
Yes, bullsnakes can be kept as pets. If they grow up in captivity, they get used to it and are not difficult to care for. Still, we don’t recommend getting a bullsnake as a pet if you don’t have any experience raising and handling snakes because bullsnakes have an aggressive nature and may end up biting you. A bullsnake can live up to 30 years in captivity, which might be another crucial factor to consider.
