Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pituophis, Species: P. catenifer
Widely distributed throughout western North America, ranging from southwestern Canada through the western United States down into northern Mexico.
Look up Gopher Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pituophis, Species: P. catenifer
Conservation
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution, large population size, and tolerance of various altered habitats, though local populations face threats from habitat fragmentation and road mortality.
Physical Description
Displays a striking pattern of dark brown, black, or reddish-brown blotches over a lighter background of gray, yellowish, or tan. Features a distinctive dark stripe across the head running through the eyes, a slightly tapered snout, round pupils, and keeled scales giving the body a somewhat rough texture.
Size & Dimensions
This individual appears to be a juvenile approximately 12 to 18 inches in length. Adults typically range from 36 to 72 inches, with exceptional specimens reaching up to 9 feet.
Habitat
Found in a broad range of habitats including deserts, coastal areas, prairies, brushlands, woodlands, and agricultural fields, from sea level up to around 9,000 feet elevation.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feeds on small mammals such as mice, voles, gophers, and rats, as well as birds, bird eggs, and occasionally lizards. Utilizes active foraging combined with constriction to subdue prey.
Reproduction
Oviparous species that mates in the spring. Females lay clutches typically ranging from 3 to 24 eggs in underground burrows or beneath rocks, usually hatching in late summer or early autumn.
Look-alikes
Frequently confused with rattlesnakes due to its similar coloration, defensive posturing, and tail-vibrating behavior, but can be distinguished by the lack of a rattle, a narrower head, and round pupils instead of vertical slits.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution, large population size, and tolerance of various altered habitats, though local populations face threats from habitat fragmentation and road mortality.
Cultural Significance
Plays a vital ecological role in regulating rodent populations in agricultural and natural ecosystems, making it highly beneficial to farmers, though it is sometimes mistakenly killed due to its resemblance to rattlesnakes.
Notable Features
Renowned for its dramatic defensive displays when threatened, which include hissing loudly by forcing air through an epiglottal modification, flattening its head, and rapidly vibrating its tail against dry leaves to mimic a rattlesnake.