Gopher Snake (Great Basin subspecies)
Pituophis catenifer deserticola • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pituophis, Species: catenifer
Western North America, specifically from British Columbia, Canada, south through the Western United States (Intermountain West) to Northern Mexico.
Look up Gopher Snake (Great Basin subspecies) in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous
Danger Level
Harmless / Low Risk. They may bite if handled roughly, but they pose no threat to humans or pets.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pituophis, Species: catenifer
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN). Generally stable, though threatened by habitat loss and road mortality.
Physical Description
Large, heavy-bodied snake with a base color of cream or light tan. Features dark brown or black rectangular blotches that become stripes near the tail. The head is relatively narrow with a dark line running from the eye to the angle of the jaw.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the photo appears to be a sub-adult of approximately 3 feet. Adults typically range from 3 to 6 feet (91–183 cm) in length.
Habitat
Arid shrublands, grasslands, open woodlands, and deserts. Often found near agricultural areas or suburban backyards from sea level up to 2,750 meters.
Behavior & Temperament
Diurnal in spring/fall and crepuscular/nocturnal in summer. Known for a loud defensive hiss and tail-vibrating behavior that mimics a rattlesnake when threatened.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily rodents, but also birds, eggs, and occasionally lizards. They are powerful constrictors that actively forage for prey.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females lay clutches of 3 to 24 eggs in mid-summer, which hatch in late summer or early fall.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Frequently confused with the Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis). Distinguishable by its round pupils (vs. vertical slits), pointed tail without a rattle, and narrower head.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Generally stable, though threatened by habitat loss and road mortality.
Cultural Significance
Highly valued by farmers and gardeners for natural pest control, as they consume large quantities of crop-damaging rodents.
Notable Features
Possesses a specialized epiglottis that allows it to produce an exceptionally loud, 'hasty' hissing sound used to intimidate predators.
Notes
Backyard