Alberta Herps
Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer)

• restricted to short-grass paririe region.

Brief Description

• largest reptile in Alberta; no facial pits; rostral scale not upturned; males may be larger than females.

Habitat

• dry habitat; may seek refuge under rocks and in rodent burrows.

Feeding

• a generalist feeder; feeds on rodents, rabbits, other small mammals, birds, eggs, lizards, and arthropods.

Reproduction

• mating occurs in spring; males engage in mating combat during mating season for access to females; oviparous; females lay one ot two clutches of between 2-24 eggs each summer.

Status in Alberta

• YELLOW B LIST

• possibly stable population; protection of hibernacula and critical habitat needed to secure stability

Other Internet Resources

• Pituophis catenifer: Guide to Amphibians & Reptiles of Colorado

• Pituophis catenifer: Reptiles & Amphibians of North Dakota

• Pituophis melanoleucus sayi : Texas Parks & Wildlife, Austin, TX, USA

References

• Anonymous. 1996. The status of Alberta wildlife. Wildlife Management Division Report. Alberta Environmental Protection, Govertment of Alberta.

• Russell, A. P., and A. M. Bauer. in press. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Alberta: A Field Guide and Primer of Boreal Herpetology. University of Calgary Press. 2nd Edition.