Gopher Snake
ExploreReptiles
Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
Gopher Snakes are often mistaken for rattlesnakes because of their color! They are friendly and help control the rodent population.
Habitat: Grasslands and open forests
Appearance
The Gopher Snake is a large, powerful snake with a pointed snout. It has a base color of tan, yellow, or cream, covered with distinct dark brown or black blotches and keeled scales. This patterning can sometimes make it look like a rattlesnake.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyColubridaeGenusPituophis
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
45
Interesting facts
Gopher Snakes are non-venomous, so they are harmless to humans!
Some Gopher Snakes can grow over 7 feet long, making them quite impressive!
Their scientific name, *Pituophis catenifer*, means 'pine snake chain-bearer' because of their markings.
These amazing snakes help farmers by eating lots of rodents that damage crops.
Special abilities
Ability
Rattlesnake Ruse
Gopher Snake can vigorously shake its tail against dry leaves, creating a rattling sound to scare away potential threats.
Ability
Constrictor Cuddle
Gopher Snake uses its strong body to coil tightly around prey, constricting it until it can no longer breathe.
Ability
Ground Breaker
Gopher Snake has a unique pointed snout that helps it burrow into soft soil to find prey or shelter.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 90-210 cm
- Weight
- 0.5-2.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years
- Top Speed
- 4 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-24
- Incubation
- 60-70 days
Diet & Feeding
Gopher Snakes are fantastic hunters that love to eat small animals like rodents, birds, and their eggs!
Primary Foods
- Rodents (gophers, mice, rats)
- Birds
- Bird eggs
- Lizards
- Small rabbits
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
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California Vole
Microtus californicus
A primary prey item, helping to control vole populations.
eaten by
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Young Gopher Snakes are vulnerable to large raptors.
eaten by
Coyote
Canis latrans
Coyotes will prey on Gopher Snakes they encounter.
hunts
California Ground Squirrel
Spermophilus beecheyi
Preys on ground squirrels, often entering their burrows.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Bull Snake
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Gopher Snake?
The easiest way to identify Gopher Snake is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Gopher Snake?
90-210 cm
How much does Gopher Snake weigh?
0.5-2.5 kg
How long does Gopher Snake live?
10-15 years
How fast can Gopher Snake move?
4 km/h
What does Gopher Snake eat?
Gopher Snakes are fantastic hunters that love to eat small animals like rodents, birds, and their eggs!
Where is Gopher Snake usually found?
Grasslands and open forests
How does Gopher Snake hunt?
Ambush
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
May 25, 2024
Navajo Nation Zoological and Botanical Parki
Photo attribution
(c) William Harmon, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jul 1, 2023
Lehman Orchard and Aqueducti
Photo attribution
(c) Cristhian Mace, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Where to spot
Zoo30 sightings14 species
Colorado, US
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
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Zoo26 sightings12 species
New Mexico, US
Alameda Park Zoo
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Park30 sightings12 species
California, US
Alta Vista Gardens
You might spot Western Fence Lizard, Bee, and House Finch.
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Park30 sightings12 species
California, US
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve
You might spot California Poppy and Common Side-Blotched Lizard.
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Park29 sightings12 species
New Mexico, US
Bandelier CCC Historic District
You might spot Tree Cholla, Mule Deer, and Sacred Datura.
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Park30 sightings12 species
Nebraska, US
Box Butte County Courthouse
You might spot Rock Pigeon, Alfalfa, and House Sparrow.
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