Species › Reptiles & Amphibians › Gopher Snake

Gopher Snake

Pituophis catenifer

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer)

The Gopher Snake is a large, powerful constrictor of western North America. When threatened, it flattens its head, vibrates its tail, and hisses loudly to mimic a rattlesnake. An important controller of rodent populations.

Habitat
Grasslands, shrublands, pine forests, and agricultural land
Diet
Rodents, rabbits, birds, and lizards
How common
Common

Best time to see a Gopher Snake

The best time to see a Gopher Snake is March–June, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 74,771 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Gopher Snake sightings near you

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