Gopher Snake

Pituophis catenifer

Reptiles & Amphibians180 to 275 cmIn the app

Base color of dorsum either cream or yellowish; covered with many dark markings from tail to head. Usually exhibits a dark stripe between the eyes continuing to meet with…

How to identify

Base color of dorsum either cream or yellowish; covered with many dark markings from tail to head. Usually exhibits a dark stripe between the eyes continuing to meet with ends of the jaw on either side of the head. Underside base color light and also possesses dark blotches. Possesses keeled dorsal scales and a single anal scale. Total length can reach around 280 cm but usually is under 180 cm. Females and males mate between April to June. Females lay eggs any time between June and August.

Range

A large portion of Canada and the United States and northern Mexico; starting in British Columbia, southern Alberta, and southern Saskatchewan running south through western United States and most of central United States. Ends in northern Baja California, Sinaloa, and Zacatecas.

Habitat

Inhabits a diverse array of areas including prairies, deserts, woodlands, shrublands, marshes, and farmland. During cold or very hot weather, will burrow underground in rodent burrows or ones it makes itself with its pointed snout. Females lay eggs in burrows or under rocks and logs.

Variations

Behavior varies depending on the individual. When approached, some individuals respond by staying still and will even remain still when handled. Others react by coiling and thrusting forward at intruder while hissing and vibrating the tail.