When I first moved to my present house there were numerous gophers in the yard and nearby. I caught three bull snakes and turned them loose in the yard, including a six-footer. Within two years there were no more gophers nearby, and the population in a neighbor's pasture was decreasing, too (with some help from my .22). About that time, I saw a huge bull snake crossing my two-track driveway; it's head was in the grass on one side, while it's tail was still off the track on the other. It must have been at least 8 feet!
I've never seen one eat a rattler, but have never seen a rattler within 3/4 mile of my house.
I, too, like having them around.
