I got a new bull snake (Pituophis melanoleucus) yesterday. He is almost full grown at about 4.5 ft. He is a really mean bastard with constant biting and hissing when I get near him. He scared the crap out of my dog, who now refuses to go upstairs where the bull is.

First question: Will he ever calm down and stop hissing/biting the cage when I get near him?

Second question: He strikes the glass of his terrarium with full force. Will this hurt him?

Third question: I keep the hot side at about 85 degrees, with a forest floor substrate. Is this acceptable for a bull?

Fourth question: Do bulls typically try to strike in the face? Yesterday he was so aggressive I decided I would just use a snake hook on him. He was constantly lunging high towards my face to bite me, this freaked me out a little (hence, the hook). Even on the hook he still would try to come over the top of the hook and get at me. I pinned his head under the shaft of the hook eventually.

Fifth question: How similar is a bulls behavior pattern C. Atrox. I've heard they are very similar in thier temperment and defensive postures.

Thanks all!

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• Bull Snake questions - coachwhipmaster, Thu Sep 28 13:03:32 2006
• RE: Bull Snake questions - Paul Hollander, Thu Sep 28 13:26:17 2006