Bull Snakes

Summer 2008
In the last few years, some big Bull Snakes have taken up residence.  According to the nature books, these are actually Gopher Snakes -- but this does not seem a fitting name for such magnificent animals (though I like the idea of them eating our Pocket Gophers). 

Up close, they are about 5 to 6 feet long with bright checkered markings on their back - black, yellow and tan.  The head is small while the body is thicker and powerfully muscled under skin that is silky smooth.  In contrast to their reputation, Bull Snakes are peaceable and quiet. 

A couple of summers ago, I had an intimate encounter with a pair of Bull Snakes.  Marisha aged 10, was playing outside with a friend.  I heard a high pitched scream and came running to find them both transfixed, looking at a mass of writhing, sinuous bodies.  Two snakes had got totally enmeshed and entangled in the black plastic netting I used to protect my lilac bush from deer attack.  The strong thin mesh is exactly the right size to allow the head of the snake through and then trap the larger body, tightening and cutting into the scaly skin.

I fetched a scissors and, somewhat hesitantly, started to carefully cut the multiple strands of netting from around each snake.  It was quite a long job taking about fifteen minutes as I manipulated the long heavy bodies.  Holding an animal, you can feel its nature - the way it responds to human presence.  These snakes were patient and calm, never trying to attack or make my job difficult - and they were certainly not comatose or passive.  They emanated a kind of quiet natural intelligence that knew we were trying to help and not harm.  

The girls stood watching and helping, fascinated by the grace and beauty of these reptiles.  When the first was free, I let them handle it for a few moments and then it slithered off into the grass and down a hole.  The other followed soon after.   All three of us were giddy with excitement and elation. 

It is such an honor to hold and help such beings; without our intervention they would have died a horrible death.  At such moments, we can be proud to be humans with our skillful hands and brain, able to solve an animal’s life and death problem.

Soon after, I got rid of all the black plastic netting I could find around the garden.  Unfortunately, I missed a piece.  Last summer, I found one of the Bull Snakes cut to pieces by its sharp strands.  Human ingenuity is a two edged sword - healing and harming.