Sam.

My Sam. A striking black and white image capturing a bullsnake coiled under a heating lamp, showcasing its textured scales and serene demeanor.

About 10 years ago, I was casually strolling through the reptile expo at White Plains, New York.  At the time, I was committed to a Pituophis project; I wanted to get a breeding group together of Albino Bullsnakes.  One table caught my eye; it was one of those vendors that had “variety.”  Obviously this vendor didn’t specialize in a specific species of reptile, but they had a lot of colubrids – so I guess that’s kind of a specialization.  I noticed two Patternless, Albino Bullsnakes on the table – yearlings or a little younger maybe.  And they were a bright yellow – beautiful.  I picked up both containers and examined each of the snakes.  They were fairly identical but something made me pick one over the other.  I handed the vendor $250 and headed home. 

On the way home, the name “Sam” struck a cord with me; my little Albino Patternless Bullsnake named Sam.

Bullsnakes are a hardy, massive North American colubrid in the Pituophis genus.  And I’d argue the various Bullsnake morphs are among the most stunning animals in the reptile industry.  Sam was no exception.  He grew into a bright yellow five-foot Bullsnake.   But Sam was a bit different where Bullsnakes are considered; Sam was truly a sweetheart.  Whereas most Bullsnakes fit the stereotype – defensive, loud, and full of piss and vinegar – Sam was the complete opposite.  Sam was not only the most gentle Bullsnake I’ve ever known, but he was the most gentle snake I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.  I can maybe recall one time when he did the whole “Pituophis thing,” and that was only because I startled him a bit during feeding.  Other than that, inside his enclosure or outside of it, Sam was just an amazing animal. 

About six months ago, I noticed that there was a small, two-three inch area at Sam’s midsection, that was beginning to disfigure; the area was getting hard to the touch and beginning to bend into a “u-shape.”  I’d been here before.  And having had another beloved scaled-family member – Agro- experience a near identical symptom, I knew Sam’s time on this earth was coming to an end.  Its difficult to diagnose what is actually happening in both of these instances.  Previously, the veterinarian had believed that Agro’s condition was solely due to his age – 20+ years old – and even if he was younger, there wasn’t much that could be done. 

Nevertheless, while Sam’s physical appearance quickly declined over the last few months, he continued to eat, drink, bask, and move around without any noticeable change; bowel movements remained normal.  I added in periodic soaks just to ensure that he remained hydrated.

Just a few days ago, Sam declined his meal for the first time in a long time.  I gave him a good soak, but could tell the time was near.  This morning, that time came. 

Sam was a beautiful animal.  He was gentle, impressive, and he’ll never be forgotten.  Rest In Peace my Sam.