Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer • Squamata, Serpentes, Colubridae, Colubrinae, Pituophis, P. catenifer
Found widely across North America, ranging from southwestern Canada through the western and central United States down into northern Mexico.
Look up Gopher Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Squamata, Serpentes, Colubridae, Colubrinae, Pituophis, P. catenifer
Conservation
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution, large population size, and tolerance of modified habitats, though local populations face threats from road mortality and habitat fragmentation.
Physical Description
Features a light tan, cream, or yellowish background with a series of dark brown, reddish-brown, or black blotches down the back and smaller alternating spots on the sides. Head is slightly distinct from the neck with a rounded snout, dark stripe running horizontally through the eye, and keeled scales giving a somewhat rough texture.
Size & Dimensions
This specimen appears to be approximately 3 to 4 feet in length. Typical adults range from 48 to 72 inches (120 to 180 cm), with maximum recorded lengths exceeding 90 inches.
Habitat
Inhabits a wide variety of habitats including deserts, prairies, scrublands, brush, chaparral, agricultural fields, and coniferous forests, from sea level up to around 9,000 feet.
Diet & Feeding
Preys primarily on small mammals such as mice, rats, gophers, and voles, as well as ground-nesting birds and eggs. Utilizes active foraging and ambush techniques, subduing prey by constriction.
Reproduction
Oviparous species, females typically deposit clutches ranging from 3 to 24 eggs in underground burrows or beneath rocks and rotting logs during the early summer months.
Look-alikes
Frequently confused with rattlesnakes due to its patterned dorsal markings and defensive behavior of hissing and tail-shaking, but lacks the rattle, facial pits, and distinct triangular head shape of rattlesnakes.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution, large population size, and tolerance of modified habitats, though local populations face threats from road mortality and habitat fragmentation.
Cultural Significance
Plays a vital ecological role in regulating rodent populations in agricultural and natural ecosystems, making it highly beneficial to farmers.
Notable Features
Renowned for defensive displays that mimic rattlesnakes, including flattening the head, vibrating the tail rapidly against dry leaves to produce a buzzing sound, and inflating the body while emitting a loud hiss.