How to Catch Bull Snakes

How to Catch Bull Snakes. Similar in appearance to rattlesnakes, bull snakes (Pituophis catenifer sayi) inhabit the same kind of terrain. The similarities between the species go beyond looks: When startled, bull snakes mimic rattlesnakes by flattening their profile and rattling their tail. However, despite having a nasty attitude, a bull snake does not contain venom, and its bite will not send you racing to the hospital.

Things Needed

• Hunting license
• Pillowcase

Step 1

Obtain a state hunting license before you look for bull snakes. Read the pamphlet that comes with the hunting permit; it will detail the daily bag limit for different reptiles, including bull snakes. Every state has a different limit on the number of snakes you can catch.

Step 2

Start your search in the foothills and flatlands of Midwestern states. Walking through the grass too quickly will cause you to overlook wildlife; pay attention above the ground, too. In addition to basking on rocks, bull snakes can climb trees and shrubs.

Step 3

Look for a bull snake until you find one. This may take several hours. Unlike rattlesnakes, bull snakes do not have vertical pupils, and they lack a rattle. The bull snake's neck is the same width as its body.

Step 4

Place your hand behind the neck of the bull snake. Grasp the neck firmly enough to prevent escape.

Step 5

Slowly pull the bull snake off the ground and toward your body. Support the snake in at least two other places to prevent injury to its ribs.

Step 6

Decide if you are keeping the snake. Place the bull snake in the pillowcase. If taking the snake home, tie a knot at the top of the pillowcase.

Warnings

• If you can't find a bull snake during the day, try driving down a road at night.
• Bull snakes are a subspecies of gopher snake.

Warnings

• Never pick an unidentified snake up. If you don't know what it is, don't touch it.
• Take extra safety precautions if the weather is hot when transporting the bull snake, like using an insulated cooler and keeping the air conditioning on.

References

• Reptiles of AZ: Gophersnake
• eNature: Bullsnake