Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was riding with a co-worker today when we passed what I thought looked like a DOR bull snake on the opposite shoulder.
Although they are native to my home state of IL & neighboring Mo. I have never found one & was excited at the prospect of seeing one, even a DOR. So, I talked him into turning around so I could ID it but, it turned out to not be a bull snake. Bummer!

Well, we turned around and started heading back toward our destination & moments later, I saw a large snake crossing the highway in almost the "exact" sport where we had first turned around to go back to ID the DOR. I assumed it was probably a rat snake or a racer but, as we got closer I was able to see what it was & started yelling PULL OVER, PULL OVER!!!

He finally got stopped and I ran back to find not 1 but 2 bull snakes stretched out,laying side by side in the road way! One was about 4' & the other about 5'
I've kept a few captive born pits in the past & they pretty much all had attitudes so I figured these would be really nasty but, I didn't want them to get killed by on coming traffic so, I tailed them both. The smaller one struck at me once but that's all. I ran back to the van & excitedly exclaimed "THEY'RE BULL SNAKES"! And then asked, you got a bag? You should've seen the puzzled look on his face. He sat there for a second thinking about it & then say's no, but I think there's a cardboard box in the back...

These snakes are great, they don't attempt to bite, rattle their tails or hiss! I haven't sexed them yet but, I'm certain they must be a pair since they were laying right next to each other like that. It'll be great to hatch some babies, wish me luck!

Eric
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If Jesus is your co-pilot, you'd better change seats!

what part of ILL were you at? Do you have any pics to post.
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1.0 white sided bull
1.0 hypo bull (might be for sale )
0.1 stillwater. Ok hypo
0.1 stillwater. Ok hypo 25% red
1.0 axathic

I'm curious to know where you are, too, since you mentioned MO. I'm from the St Louis area and have never seen any Bulls around here.
P&S Pituophis

I was in Central IL., west of Springfield.

Eric
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If Jesus is your co-pilot, you'd better change seats!

Central IL.

Eric
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If Jesus is your co-pilot, you'd better change seats!

I sexed and photographed them tonight. Here's the male. He's probably slightly smaller than I first thought. Probably about 3.5'

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If Jesus is your co-pilot, you'd better change seats!

Here's the female. She's probably slightly smaller than I first thought also. Probably about 4.5'
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>>If Jesus is your co-pilot, you'd better change seats!

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If Jesus is your co-pilot, you'd better change seats!

Two things one heat rocks are bad for snake as they get to hot in spots unless that is a new one. And Two I hope you have the proper permits for collecting in Il. I am new to the state and have been told that they will not let you even touch the native herps without a permit. I have not reserch it so I am not sure on the laws but remember that more than just hobbyist read these post. You don't want Fish And Game makeing a visit.
Thanks Jason

I understand your concern & I knew someone would say something about the heat rocks but, I am fully aware of the overheat issue & have them regulated by a dimmer switch.

Also, collecting is not an issue as long as you're not messing with protected species or collecting in natural areas such as Shawnee.

Eric
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If Jesus is your co-pilot, you'd better change seats!