Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi) in defensive posture
Bullsnakes have a reputation for putting on a show and acting all defensive like a rattlesnake in order to confuse predators. This one was no exception and assumed a defensive coil in an attempt to confuse me. Of course, they are not rattlesnakes, but simply nonvenomous snakes that are trying to make predators think they are more dangerous than they actually are. Unfortunately, many people who are not familiar with snakes misidentify them as rattlesnakes and kill them out of fear. Both rattlesnakes and gophersnakes have essential roles to play in grassland ecosystems and should not be killed.
Otero County, CO
Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi) in defensive posture
Bullsnakes have a reputation for putting on a show and acting all defensive like a rattlesnake in order to confuse predators. This one was no exception and assumed a defensive coil in an attempt to confuse me. Of course, they are not rattlesnakes, but simply nonvenomous snakes that are trying to make predators think they are more dangerous than they actually are. Unfortunately, many people who are not familiar with snakes misidentify them as rattlesnakes and kill them out of fear. Both rattlesnakes and gophersnakes have essential roles to play in grassland ecosystems and should not be killed.
Otero County, CO