How to Identify the Gopher Snake (Identification Guide)
Recognize the Gopher Snake by its blotched tan-and-brown pattern, narrow head, and habit of mimicking rattlesnake behavior.
Read the full Gopher Snake encyclopedia entry →
Key identifying features
The Gopher Snake is identified by a series of large, dark brown to black blotches running down a tan, yellowish, or cream-colored background, along with a relatively narrow head and a strong tendency to flatten its head, hiss loudly, and vibrate its tail in dry leaves when threatened, mimicking a rattlesnake despite lacking rattles or a triangular venomous-snake head.
Coloration & pattern
Background coloration is typically tan, straw-yellow, or light brown, overlaid with a series of large, irregular dark brown to blackish blotches down the back, often becoming smaller and more numerous toward the tail. Additional smaller dark spots may occur along the flanks between the larger dorsal blotches. This pattern provides strong camouflage in dry grassland and desert scrub.
Head, eyes & scales
The head is narrow and only slightly wider than the neck, distinctly less blocky or triangular than that of venomous pit vipers found in similar habitats. Eyes are moderate in size with round pupils. Scales are keeled, giving a somewhat rough texture, and a raised, ridge-like row of scales runs along the snout in some individuals.
Size & body shape
This is a moderately stout to fairly heavy-bodied snake of medium to long length, with a tapering tail lacking any rattle segments, an important distinguishing feature from true rattlesnakes despite behavioral mimicry.
Range & habitat where you'll see it
Widespread across western and central North America, Gopher Snakes inhabit grassland, desert scrub, agricultural land, and open woodland, often near burrows of rodents which they use for shelter and hunting.
How to tell it apart from look-alikes
Despite its rattlesnake-mimicking defensive behavior, the Gopher Snake lacks a true rattle, has a narrower, less triangular head, and shows round rather than vertically elliptical pupils, all of which reliably distinguish it from venomous rattlesnakes sharing its range. Its blotched tan-and-brown pattern is broadly similar to some rattlesnake patterns, making head shape, pupil shape, and tail tip the most dependable visual differences.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Gopher Snake often mistaken for a rattlesnake?
It mimics rattlesnake defensive behavior by hissing loudly and vibrating its tail in dry vegetation, despite lacking an actual rattle.
How can I tell a Gopher Snake from a rattlesnake by looking at the head?
The Gopher Snake has a narrower, less triangular head than the blocky, distinctly wider head typical of rattlesnakes.
What kind of pupils does it have?
Round pupils, unlike the vertically elliptical pupils of rattlesnakes.
What does its body pattern look like?
Large, irregular dark brown to black blotches on a tan, yellow, or light brown background, becoming smaller toward the tail.
Where does it typically live?
Grassland, desert scrub, agricultural land, and open woodland across western and central North America, often near rodent burrows.
Gopher Snake identified by the community
Recent Gopher Snake specimens identified with Snake Identifier.
