Bull Snake (Gopher Snake)

This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.

The hiss is the whole greeting

Bull snakes are Pituophis catenifer sayi, the big prairie gopher snakes. Adults are often 4 to 8 feet, and some pass 9. 20 to 30 years. Care is beginner to intermediate. The beginner half is the diet of rodents and the dry cage. The intermediate half is the size and the defensive show.

They hiss hard, flatten, and buzz the tail in bedding so it sounds like a rattle. People kill wild ones for that impression. A captive-bred baby can learn that hands are not hawks. Some adults stay theatrical. Give a cage at least 6 by 2 by 2 feet, a warm side near 85 to 90°F, a cool side in the 70s, and humidity of 30 to 50 percent. They are strong. Latches matter.

Rodents, and room to stretch

Thawed mice and then rats are the food. A snake this large is a poor fit for a bedroom tub sold as a starter kit. Floor space beats gadgets. Handle with the body supported, and wait out the hiss instead of pinning the head every time. Pinned snakes stay defensive.

Buy captive-bred. Wild bull snakes are protected in some states and full of parasites besides. Weight loss or a refused meal in warm weather is a reason to use the reptile appetite page and then ARAV.

Bull snake questions

Are bull snakes venomous?

No. The hiss, the flattened head, and the vibrating tail copy a rattlesnake. The snake is a rodent eater, Pituophis catenifer sayi.

Why is my bull snake so loud?

Bluffing is the species. A loud hiss is not pain and it is not a rattle. Calm handling reduces it. It may never go silent.

How big a cage does a bull snake need?

Give them at least 6 by 2 by 2 feet for adults. Some individuals reach 8 or 9 feet. Measure the snake you have and give it room to stretch.