Report a Bullsnake Sighting

The Bullsnake Sighting Initiative

The Bullsnake sighting initiative objectives:
Bullsnakes are non-venomous constrictors that prey mostly on small mammals. They are typically associated with short-grass and sand prairie habitats, or savannah habitats. Within the Upper Midwest, prairie habitats have significantly declined due to agriculture, urbanization and vegetative succession that is the result of fire suppression. The loss of such habitat, particularly in areas critical for foraging, nesting, and over-wintering, has caused significant bullsnake populations declines. Now uncommon throughout much of the Upper Midwest, bullsnakes are listed as a Protected Wild Animal by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Despite this listing, however, little is known about the bullsnake's true distribution within Wisconsin. Few, if any, reports of bullsnake sightings occur annually in the state, and those that do occur are often anecdotal and difficult to substantiate.

In an attempt to obtain a greater amount of data on this species for its present and future conservation, a standardized protocol has been developed that makes use of the state's most invaluable tool...its citizens. This protocol creates a simple means by which the general public can report bullsnake sightings for validation and quantification, which in turn will help wildlife biologists and resource managers make sound conservation decisions regarding bullsnakes and their preferred habitat.

How do I report a bullsnake sighting?

1. Review Bullsnake Description and Behavior
2. If needed, see Resources available to help with proper identification
3. Submit a Bullsnake Observation Form

Submission of the Bullsnake Observation Form:

The most desirable location for sightings to be submitted is electronically through the Bullsnake Observation Form.

Resources available to help with proper identification:

Online:

The Amphibians and Reptiles of La Crosse, WI (exit DNR)

Books:

Christoffel, R., R. Hay, and L. Ramirez. 2000. Snakes of Wisconsin. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Endangered Resources. Pub-ER-100 00.

Conant, R. and J.T. Collins. 1998. Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America (3rd). Houghton Mifflin Company, New York, NY.

Ernst, C.H., and E.M. Ernst. 2003. Snakes of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Books, Washington.

Harding, J.H. 1997. Amphibians and Reptiles of the Great Lakes Region. University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor, MI.

Oldfield, B. and J.J. Moriarty. 1994. Amphibians and Reptiles Native to Minnesota. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, MN.

Vogt, R.C. 1981. The Natural History of Amphibians and Reptiles of Wisconsin. Milwaukee Pub

lic Museum, Milwaukee, WI. Out of Print, but available from library.

Read more about the "Snakes of Wisconsin," Order your copy today...