Gopher Snake

The gopher snake is a large, muscular constrictor found across much of western and central North America, playing an important ecological role controlling rodent populations. It is famous for its dramatic defensive bluff, flattening its head, hissing loudly, and vibrating its tail to mimic a rattlesnake.

Despite this convincing act, the gopher snake is completely nonvenomous and relies on constriction to subdue prey.

• Tan, yellowish, or cream base color with dark brown or black blotches down the back
• Robust, cylindrical body with a small head relative to body size
• Round pupils and a pointed, keeled rostral scale used for burrowing
• Lacks a rattle, unlike rattlesnakes it is often confused with
• Distinguished from rattlesnakes by slender tail without segments and round pupils

Inhabits deserts, grasslands, agricultural fields, chaparral, and open woodlands across the western and central United States, into Canada and Mexico. Often uses rodent burrows for shelter.

Primarily diurnal, though it may become more active at night in hot weather. A skilled burrower and powerful constrictor, feeding mainly on rodents, ground-nesting birds, and eggs. Egg-laying, with clutches deposited in sandy or loose soil.