Bull Snake 9 Sept 2015 Tyrone, N.M.

Bull snake (Pituophis catenifer) North American constrictor snake of the family Colubridae. These snakes are called bull snakes over much of their range; however, in the western United States they are often called gopher snakes. The 5 ½ foot snake in this photo was taken by ErnestO Stolpe-ViewBug in Tyrone, New Mexico. Gopher snakes are rather heavy-bodied, small-headed, and may reach 2.5 metres (8 feet) in length. They are egg-layers. They lay on average a dozen eggs in sand or other protected areas and leave the eggs to incubate unprotected. Clutches of 5-22 eggs have been observed. The eggs are elliptical, leathery, rough, sticky, and up to 70 mm (2 3⁄4 in) long. The eggs typically hatch in August or September. Baby bull snakes are 20–46 cm (7.9–18.1 in) at hatching. Their color is grayish until after their first shed Gopher snakes range in color from cream-yellow to green-gray to tan, with large black, brown or reddish blotches on their back and smaller ones along their sides. Most specimens have a dark line between the eyes and another from behind the eyes to the angle of the jaw. Sometimes striped individuals, with or without blotches, are found. The nose shield is enlarged for digging. They are very active foragers and find their meals instead of ambushing them like rattlesnakes. Found in a wide variety of habitats including desert flats, coastal dunes and coniferous forests, but preferring grasslands and open brush areas, where they eat mainly rodents but also prey on birds and lizards. In defense they hiss loudly and thrash about while vibrating their tail. Gopher snakes are therefore frequently mistaken for rattlesnakes. Gopher snakes may bite, but they are not venomous. I don't think there is much information about the bite of gopher snakes. To my knowledge, a bite by a gopher snake is considered a minor wound. Any wound can get infected, so vigorous cleansing is my main recommendation.
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