How to Identify the Great Basin Gopher Snake (Identification Guide)
The Great Basin Gopher Snake is identified by its pale gray-to-tan background, dark squarish blotches, and heavily keeled scales adapted to high desert habitats.
Read the full Great Basin Gopher Snake encyclopedia entry →
Key identifying features
The Great Basin Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer deserticola) is a large subspecies of gopher snake adapted to cooler, higher-elevation desert habitats, identified by its pale gray to tan coloring and prominent, somewhat squared dark blotches running the length of its back.
Coloration & pattern
The background color tends toward pale gray, tan, or light brown, with bold dark brown to black blotches that are often more squared or rectangular in shape compared to the rounder blotches of some other gopher snake subspecies. The blotches are typically well defined against the lighter background, and smaller spots may appear along the sides.
Head, eyes & scales
The head is narrow and somewhat pointed for burrowing, with round pupils and eyes of moderate size. Scales are strongly keeled, giving the body a rough, textured feel that is consistent across gopher snake subspecies.
Size & body shape
Adults are large and muscular, typically reaching 1.2 to 1.8 meters, with a thick body and moderately long tail. The overall build reflects the species' strength as a constrictor of burrowing rodents in its arid, high-desert range.
Range & habitat where you'll see it
This subspecies occupies the Great Basin region of the western United States, including parts of Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and eastern California, favoring sagebrush flats, high desert scrub, and rocky slopes at higher elevations than some other gopher snake subspecies.
How to tell it apart from look-alikes
Its pale gray-to-tan background with squared dark blotches helps distinguish it from other gopher snake subspecies with more rounded blotches or different background tones. As with all gopher snakes, its round pupils, narrow head, and lack of a rattle distinguish it from rattlesnakes despite similar defensive hissing and tail-vibrating displays.
Frequently asked questions
What habitat does the Great Basin Gopher Snake prefer?
Sagebrush flats, high desert scrub, and rocky slopes at higher elevations within the Great Basin region.
How are its blotches shaped?
Often more squared or rectangular compared to the rounder blotches seen in some other gopher snake subspecies.
What is the background color of this snake?
Typically pale gray, tan, or light brown.
How does it differ from a rattlesnake?
It has round pupils, no heat pits, no rattle, and a narrower head.
How large does it grow?
Adults typically reach 1.2 to 1.8 meters in length.
Great Basin Gopher Snake identified by the community
Recent Great Basin Gopher Snake specimens identified with Snake Identifier.
