"Simple text and full-color photography introduce beginning readers to bull snakes. Developed by literacy experts for students in kindergarten through third grade"--

From the legendary, fear-inspiring Western Diamondback rattlesnake to the tiny, harmless Plains blind snake, Texas has a greater diversity of snake species than any other state in the country. Recognizing the public's need for a complete guide to identifying and understanding Texas' snakes, two of the state's most respected herpetologists have joined forces to create this definitive reference to all 109 species and sub-species of Texas snakes. Well-written species accounts describe each snake's appearance, lookalikes, size, habitat, behavior, feeding, and reproduction. The authors also include color photos and finely detailed line drawings to aid field identification, along with accurate range maps, a checklist of Texas snakes, a key to the species, and a brief discussion of classification and taxonomy. The authors round out this volume with essays on snake myths and misinformation, snakebite and its prevention, conservation, Texas biotic provinces, and a brief history of Texas herpetology.

The North American bull snake is a harmless snake species. Pituophis catenifer is the scientific name for bull snakes, which are colubrid snakes. Bull snakes are easily mistaken for rattlesnakes due to their similar appearance; however, rattlesnakes have venomous fangs while bullsnakes do not. - Bullsnakes are extremely large snakes that can grow to a whopping 8 feet (2.4 meters) in length! Their characteristic dark blotches or bands on a lighter background may take on different hues and styles depending on their geographic range. Grasslands, prairies, deserts, and open woodlands are common habitats for these animals because of their skill as burrowers and the fact that they eat small mammals, birds, and even reptiles. They have a powerful constricting ability that they employ to kill their prey by immobilizing it. - Bullsnakes are beneficial because they help reduce rodent populations and pose no threat to humans. They are not aggressive and prefer to avoid confrontations with humans, despite their tendency to hiss loudly and swell up when threatened. Bullsnakes are popular among reptile enthusiasts and are sometimes kept as pets because of their unique appearance and usefulness in reducing pest populations.

The hognose snake may be feisty, but if it can’t scare away an enemy by hissing and acting tough, it will flop onto its back and play dead! Readers will learn this cool fact and much more about the snakes of the Midwest. This book will teach the difference between rattlesnakes and their look-a-likes, explain how snakes can be identified, and describe some unique adaptations of these Midwestern crawlers.

A sign painter and a giant bull snake cause a commotion when they replace Buffalo Bill as official buffalo hunters for the United States Army.

Their habits, life histories, and influence on mankind.