06/18/2026
A Farmer's Friend: I found this guy today on our farm! I'm quite sure it's a bullsnake (gopher snake), which are nonvenomous and primarily eat rodents, making them beneficial to have on the farm. It's possible they may eat some eggs from your poultry, but collecting them regularly will prevent much loss from them, as they're mostly hunting mice, rats, and ground squirrels.
Although they may pretend to be rattlesnakes when startled by hissing loudly, vibrating their tails in tall grass, and flattening their heads, their tails are smooth with no rattle.
They may compete with rattlesnakes for food, but that doesn't guarantee you won't also have rattlesnakes on your property.
I took this opportunity to teach my livestock guardian dogs about snake safety, since this is their first encounter with a snake. Mufasa seemed a bit too interested and even ready to go after it if needed. I quickly corrected him and he immediately gave the snake more space and barked at it, standing by my side. Sarabi was giving it a wary eye and a wide berth without any correction from me. I praised both of them for recognizing the snake as something to leave alone. This one is nonvenomous, but the next one might be a venomous rattlesnake. Although they both receive the rattlesnake vaccine, this only buys them time to see a vet and get treatment. The best remedy is to teach them what to do when they see a snake so we can avoid any bites.
Have you seen any snakes this season yet? What was your reaction?
