Bull snakes are one of the most common snake species that you are going to find in Colorado. The bull snake is the largest snake that you are going to find in North America. This snake species lives in different habitats across Colorado.
While these snakes are nonvenomous it is important not to corner them because it could result in them attacking you.
The bull snakes can grow up to 6 feet long and there are cases where they are species that are 8.50 feet long that have been recorded in North America.
These snakes are not as heavy as rattlesnakes but they usually come in different colors ranging from brown, white, yellow, and black. Sometimes you will find them with red blotches. The blotching pattern will vary depending on the region that you are going to explore.
Let’s learn more about the bull snakes that you might encounter in Colorado!
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How to identify a bull snake?
There are different ways that you can use to identify a bull snake when you are exploring different parts of the state of Colorado.
These snakes usually come in different colors and you are going to find that they are similar to the western rattlesnakes. Some of the common colors that these snakes come with include reddish, brown, and yellow with different blotches.
As indicated – an adult bull snake will grow up to 8 feet long and it is an unusual feature for the colubrid family. These snakes weigh anything from 3 to 10 pounds.
Learn more: Dangerous animals in Colorado
They are a nonvenomous species and it has been noted that the males usually grow larger than the females. Perhaps one of the most unique features of bull snakes is that they do not hibernate. They usually go dormant when the food is scarce and begin to resume its normal activities during the mating season.
Where can you find bull snakes in Colorado?
When you are exploring different parts of the state of Colorado then you are likely to encounter them in a wide array of habitats.
Bull snakes and other gopher snakes are often found inhabiting different areas of the state of Colorado. These snakes are not in every county, therefore, you should not be worried if you do not want to interact with them. They usually do not like living in the counties closer to the Rocky Mountains.
However, as you move east, the population increases, and the food becomes more available. The habitats of these snakes are largely influenced by the availability of food and you will find them near the residential zones in Colorado.
What do bull snakes eat?
These snakes consume some of the smaller mammals such as rats, mice, moles, squirrels, birds, lizards, salamanders, and pocket gophers. These snakes have an incredible way of climbing trees and in the region where you are going to find them then they are likely climbing the trees for the birds’ eggs.
They can consume the nestlings as well. Bull snakes are known to consume even rattlesnakes. The rattlesnakes are known to be some of the most dangerous snakes that you are going to in the US.
Can you find bull snakes in residential areas in Colorado?
The simple answer is, yes. These snakes have been known to move from one place to another and there is a high chance that you might even find them in residential areas. When you are exploring different habitats then you should remember to check your accommodation as well because there are cases that have been reported of these snakes in residential areas.
Many people who have found the snake have been able to move it to a secure place. However, you should be careful and call authorities if you do not know the kind of snake that you are dealing with.
How do bull snakes behave?
The bull snakes in the state of Colorado are known to be some of the most aggressive snakes in the US. Whenever you try to hold them, they become very defensive. The snakes usually perceive the big live objects as prey.
They don’t attack humans unless they are provoked. They usually stretch and make themselves appear larger. The next thing you will hear is a hissing sound as they become more defensive and they can lunge and retract to scare the victim.
In most cases, the bull snakes are often mistaken for rattlesnakes and they end up being killed. The coloration of their bodies and the dorsal pattern are some of the features that make this snake stand out from the rest.
Unlike the rattlesnakes, the bull snakes usually keep their tails on the ground and they can vibrate it against leaves or anything on the ground.
What are the types of bull snakes in Colorado?
There are various types of bull snakes depending on the region of Colorado. These snakes usually like to inhabit various environments across the state. The albino counterparts usually have more pale colorations than the regular bull snakes.
The bull snakes are a subspecies of the gopher snake. Their breeders have morphed into different colors such as red, with white sides, and even in some cases without patterns.
Where are you likely to find bull snakes?
The bull snakes and other gopher snakes are found in the northern part of Mexico and the Great Plains of the United States. These snakes usually like forest floors, farmlands, grasslands, and prairies and similar areas where they can find their food.
After all, they can even be found in residential buildings because they are docile in nature.
Are bull snakes venomous or poisonous?
Perhaps this is a more common question that is asked than any other. It is important to note that these snakes are nonvenomous. They are the only nonvenomous snakes that you will find in the state of Colorado.
They usually mimic the rattlesnakes as a method of protecting themselves. They do not have an actual rattle; however, they are known to make similar sounds to scare their predators.
If you are looking for the difference between the bull snakes and the rattlesnakes then you can look at the patterns on their bodies. You will find that rattlesnake’s body patterns are hexagonal and they have a triangular head.
On the other hand, the bull snakes do not have a triangular head and they lack the vertical slits on their eyes.
How do bull-snakes catch their prey?
The bull snakes are known to be constrictors in nature hence they are going to wrap themselves around the prey and squeeze them rapidly until they are motionless before they can consume them.
Can bull snakes constrict humans?
Perhaps it is essential to note that as much as the bull snakes are bigger, they are unable to constrict a full-size human. However, they are strong enough that they can constrict small children, especially if they come in larger sizes such as 8 feet long.
Can electric fences work on bull snakes?
In most instances, electric fences have played a major role in deterring a wide array of creatures from getting into people’s properties. When you have your fence the bull snakes will be unable to climb or move past it because they will feel uncomfortable with the charge passing through them. The electric fence can offer a long-term solution to the problem of snakes moving from one place to another in your residential area in Colorado.
It is important to note that the bull snakes are poor climbers, therefore, they will not be capable of climbing fences. However, they have the ability to ascend to some heights. In slippery areas, they can move from one location to another. Since they are bigger in size it makes it difficult for them to move easily while climbing, unlike slender snakes.
