I encountered this Bullsnake near Laguna Atascosa NWR this afternoon. Contrary to popular belief, the vast majority of snakes cannot hiss. Bullsnakes, and other snakes in the genus Pituophis, are exceptions. While this snake looks menacing it is actually completely harmless to humans. As I approached the snake it held a defensive pose (not aggressive!) and backed away from me while trying to trick me into thinking it was dangerous by puffing up and hissing. Unfortunately many people mistake this bluff as a threat and end the encounter with a shovel. The only thing I needed to do to make this snake go away was to stand back up and take a step back. The moment I did so the snake turned and fled into the thornscrub.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 05:08:35 +0000
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