Bull Snakes - Gentle Helpers
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Do You Have These Helpers In Your Garden?
Many people may be terrified of snakes, but there's really no need to fear these guys. Bull Snakes (also called Gopher snakes) are docile and do our habitats a great service by keeping down vermin populations. They eat mice, rats, rabbits, and prairie dogs, and they keep down Rattlesnake populations as well. Bull snakes are not aggressive by nature and will rarely bite unless provoked.
My Friends
Living on the high plains of Eastern Colorado, many of the daily visitors to my yard are Bull Snakes. They creep up on my porch for a bit of shade, explore my porch, and often hang out in odd places like under the dog house, in the goat's house, or in the barn. They don't bother me much, actually it's really great to have them here. If it weren't for the Bull Snakes doing their thing we'd be overrun with mice, prairie dogs, and rabbits.I've taught my children not to fear them, but not to bother them either. Respect is the key. Respect, and look below the door before you step outside!
Moving A Little One Who Was In The Way Of The Mower
The Good Guys
Not only do Bull Snakes keep down mouse, rat, prairie dog, and rabbit populations, but they also chase off Rattle Snakes!
A friendly little face poking out of the weeds.
OUCH!
Although Bull Snakes are non-venomous and would rather avoid confrontation than attack, they can still inflict a painful bite.
This little guy decided to explore my front porch!
Wonderful Books for Little Snake Lovers!
The Bull Snake
from www.fort.usgs.gov
Learn More About Bull Snakes
Snake-y Sssssites
- Purdue University
- The University offers a wonderful, informative, Snakes of the Midwest CD-ROM.
- National Geographic
- Animals documented by the Lewis and Clark expedition.
- Enchanted Learning
- Information and learning activities about Bull Snakes for school children.
- Freesnake.com
- Many pages of wonderful Bull Snake photos.
Show Off Your Sssssnake Ssssstyle
Read More on Squidoo!
Be Careful!
Although Bull Snakes are valued for their ability to chase off Rattlesnakes, their hiss can mimic that of an angry Rattler.
Show A Little Snake Love!
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Spook
Sep 2, 2010 @ 11:45 am | delete
- You're a brave lass sending this to an avowed desperately scared of snakes guy. I hate the things and have had some hair raising experiences with venomous snakes. Sadly, therefore I can only say, Blessed by an Angel.
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Obscure_Treasures
Jul 30, 2010 @ 9:06 am | delete
- Very Impressive lens your images are awesome,I enjoyed reading your lens.
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Liz Heaslip
May 31, 2010 @ 12:17 am | delete
- Hey, I just got a set of bullsnakes as pets. The guy who previously owned them said they were very tame and gentle. The female has been beautiful but the male seems to be very anxious. The first night he was trying to get out of the tank so much he wounded his nose. I've been keeping a close eye on it to make sure it is healing well and it is. After I fed him he seemed very defensive when I was trying to get him out if the feeding bucket. I'm sure it's mostly nerves as I've only had them 4 days and when I handled him with his previous owner he was ok, but does anyone have any advice on how to help him feel more relaxed until he becomes accustomed to me and his new home? I've been giving them space until they get used to their new settings and have handled them once since they've been in my care besides feeding. My e-mail is liz.heaslip@hotmail.com if you have any advice that might be helpful.
They have lived together for 3 years so I kept them together thinking that would help with any seperation issues it could possibly cause.
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BFuniv.com
Aug 7, 2009 @ 12:55 pm | delete
- I have yet to see one coiled up like a rattle snake ready to strike, they seem to just meander about. Pleasant beasties to share a trail or backyard with.
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spirituality
Jul 30, 2009 @ 10:36 am | delete
- Great lens - you've been blessed by a squidoo angel :)
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by The_Homeopath
The_Homeopath
Mother of four awesome kiddos, Classical Homeopath and Holistic Health Consultant, divine prairie chick, birdwatching enthusiast, and Etsy addict. Usually... more »
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