Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Common names:

Bulgarian Rat snake
Blotched Snake
Eastern Four-lined Snake

I found that semi arboreal snakes like Corn snakes are better suited for my snake trait preferences:

habitat generalists with a large home range
good feeders
active & curious
like to climb & bask
placid when handled

I’ve been researching the little-known Bulgarian rat snake. Some sources claim that they are as active & curious as Russians, yet they are constrictors that do not prefer smaller prey. They allegedly love to climb & bask.

Reports on behavior contradict or vary, however.

The Rat snake Foundation says that they are generally placid, but other sources report that they can be hissy or nippy. If you or your contacts have any experience with these, I’d like your opinion, please.

1. Do you feel that they are comparable to Corns, or are they more shy and variable, like most Rat snakes?

2. Shall I stick with Corns, or shall I try a Bulgarian?

1.0 Pantherophis guttatus (Okeetee dark)
1.0 Pantherophis guttatus (Miami)
1.1 Pituophis catenifer catenifer (native, wild pair in backyard nature restoration zone)

Ameron,
I am getting 1 or 2 Bulgies soon. I'll let you know.

Many years ago - back in the days of paper pricelists - a breeder had Bulgarians on his list, among the first offerings in the US. He claimed that most were well-behaved and were pretty general in care much like cornsnakes. Even with cornsnakes, you can get a mean one occasionally.

I did first-time research on this species last July and became quite intrigued. I found only two dealers in the United States who sell them, but one gets their stock from the other! (You may have gotten yours from that prominent New York City dealer.)

According to online literature, Bulgarians are usually calm, placid snakes and are one of the best species to keep in captivity. They may even be somewhat hess hissy than their western cousins, the Four-lined Rat Snake.

I was really tempted to get one last July, but the dealer did not have stock until August, so I got a replacement Russian Rat instead. In my opinion, Russians are the best pet snake to keep – even better than Corn snakes. (I’ve kept several Corns and have a Corn hatchling of the same size to compare with daily). Nothing comes close to a Russian Rat for being so Active, Curious and Calm. They “get over it” so quickly!

Hopefully your Bulgarian/Blotched will be similar in nature and will be a joy for years to come. *I look forward to photos; you are one of the few Bulgarian keepers.* Ever forward!

Ameron
Portland/Vancouver

1.0 Elaphe schrencki (Anerythristic)
1.0 Pantherophis guttatus (Miami phase)

Anery vs. Normal comparison photos:
http://iansvivarium.com/morphs/species/elaphe_schrenckii/anerythristic/
Flickr