It is the most commonly spotted snake in Nebraska and is found in grasslands, farmlands and open woodlands. The bullsnake is not poisonous and grows up to 88 inches long. Its diet consists of small mammals, birds and eggs. The bullsnake is yellowish, with reddish-brown to black blotches on its back. Its belly is cream with brown or black blotches and its tail is boldly patterned and banded with black and tan. Bullsnakes are not dangerous to humans but when threatened can be mistaken for rattlesnakes.
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Reproduction in Brief
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Bullsnakes mating period is during the spring. After mating, the female will dig a shallow burrow in sand or dirt and lay between three and 20 cream-colored eggs in a clutch. The incubation period is about 64 to 80 days.
Breeding in Captivity
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Bullsnakes can and do live and breed well in captivity. Like many other species, bullsnakes should be kept in a dry and spacious vivarium which must be kept warm (73 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit). Bullsnakes usually hibernate over winter and mating occurs in the spring immediately after hibernation. The female will lay up to 20 eggs in a clutch, each measuring around 3 to 4 inches in length. These eggs usually take between 60 and 70 days to hatch.
Newborn Bullsnakes
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Snakes break out of their eggs. Newborns bullsnakes measure between 1 and 1 1/2 feet long. Once hatched, there is no parental care of the young.
Looking After Newborn Bullsnakes
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Bullsnakes are not poisonous or dangerous to humans so they are okay to keep as pets. Like other snakes in captivity, they must be kept in a warm, dry enclosure and it is important that they have plenty of room to grow and stretch out; otherwise they will become stressed. Bullsnakes are not as easily tamed as other species more commonly kept as pets, such as corn snakes, but they will become friendly if handled at least once a day.
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