Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pituophis, Species: Pituophis catenifer
Widely distributed throughout North America, including southern Canada, most of the United States, and northern Mexico.
Look up Gopher Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous
Danger Level
Harmless - though they can be defensive if threatened and may deliver a non-toxic bite.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pituophis, Species: Pituophis catenifer
Conservation
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Faces threats from habitat loss and being frequently killed due to confusion with rattlesnakes.
Physical Description
Heavily keeled scales, large blocky splotches of dark brown or black over a cream or tan ground color. The head is relatively narrow compared to vipers and features a dark line extending from the eye to the corner of the mouth.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the photo appears to be a juvenile (roughly 30-40 cm). Adults typically range from 90 to 240 cm (3 to 8 feet).
Habitat
Generalist species found in deserts, prairies, woodlands, brushlands, and agricultural areas. Highly adaptable to various elevations from sea level to over 2,700 meters.
Behavior & Temperament
Known for dramatic defensive displays including loud hissing, body inflation, and tail vibrating (to mimic a rattlesnake). Generally diurnal, but may become crepuscular or nocturnal in high heat.
Diet & Feeding
Active forager specializing in small mammals (rats, mice, gophers), birds, and occasionally lizards. They use constriction to kill their prey.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females lay clutches of 2 to 24 eggs in the late summer, which hatch in roughly 65 to 75 days.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with Rattlesnakes (Crotalus spp.). Distinguishable by the absence of a rattle, presence of round pupils (vs vertical), narrower head, and different scale patterns.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Faces threats from habitat loss and being frequently killed due to confusion with rattlesnakes.
Cultural Significance
Crucial for agricultural health as they provide natural pest control against rodent populations. Often mistaken for rattlesnakes in rural communities.
Notable Features
Features an enlarged epiglottis that allows them to produce a remarkably loud, hoarse hiss which is used as a primary acoustic deterrent against predators.