Gopher Snake (Pacific Gopher Snake)
Pituophis catenifer (likely ssp. catenifer) • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pituophis, Species: Pituophis catenifer
Western North America, ranging from southwestern Canada through the western United States and into northern Mexico.
Look up Gopher Snake (Pacific Gopher Snake) in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous (Agliphows fangs - lacking specialized venom delivery structures)
Danger Level
Harmless - though they are large and can be defensive if cornered, they pose no significant health risk to humans.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pituophis, Species: Pituophis catenifer
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN). Generally abundant, though threatened by habitat loss and road mortality.
Physical Description
Large-bodied with keeled scales. Base color is tan or yellowish with bold dark brown or black dorsal blotches. Small head slightly wider than the neck, large rostral scale for digging, and round pupils.
Size & Dimensions
Specimen appears to be a juvenile/sub-adult (approx. 45-60cm). Adults typically range from 91 to 213 cm (3 to 7 feet).
Habitat
Extremely versatile; found in grasslands, coastal sage scrub, agricultural fields, semi-arid deserts, and open woodlands from sea level to over 2,700 meters.
Behavior & Temperament
Diurnal or crepuscular. Known for a loud defensive hiss and vibrating its tail in dry leaves to mimic a rattlesnake. Generally more bluff than bite.
Diet & Feeding
Active forager primarily consuming small mammals (rodents, gophers), birds, and eggs. They kill via powerful constriction.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females lay clutches of 2-24 eggs in mid-summer, typically hatching in late summer or autumn.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with the Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis/oreganus). Distinguishable by the lack of a rattle, round pupils, and a narrower head.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Generally abundant, though threatened by habitat loss and road mortality.
Cultural Significance
Value highly by farmers and gardeners as a primary form of natural pest control against gophers and other crop-damaging rodents.
Notable Features
Possesses a specialized epiglottis that vibrates when air is forced through it, allowing the snake to produce an unusually loud and intimidating hiss.