Red Bull Snake
This is a joint project with Scott Crumly of Crazy Fools Reptiles. Scott purchased a lone male red bull at the National Reptile Breeders Expo in 1998. By the summer of 99 it had grown to 4.5' and was quite spectacular. Sadly there was no female to breed him to and plans were to out cross him to an albino strain. I happened into the project while attending MARS 99 when I spied the unique red of the animal on one of the vendor tables. When I inquired I was told it was a FEMALE Texas bull snake. I whipped out my handy probe kit to confirm the sex and bought the animal on the spot. My original intention was just to secure her for Scott however I became quite enamored with the animal and Scott agreed to partnering on the project.
Bull snakes range over much of the central portion of the continent. In Texas they are found throughout the western two thirds of the state and briefly integrate with the Sonoran gopher snake (P. m. afinis) at the western end of the state. Essentially an inhabitant of prairie regeons bull snakes can be found wherever rodents are plentiful. Peterson's Field Guide lists them as diurnal though they may resort to nocturnal behavior during periods of extreme heat. As of this writing, I am unsure of the wild origins of this morph. Pictures and more natural history information will follow!
Captive care for the bull snake is similar to that of the northern Mexican pine snake though they are more tolerant to higher temperatures and will accept a more aggressive feeding schedule. Click HERE for more information on the captive care and temperament of snakes of this genus.
A few offspring may be offered in 2000. Please inquire as to availability and price at tdongarra@home.com