Gopher Snake(bull snake)

Photo Credit : Doug Burkett

Gopher Snake- Pituophis catenifer

The Gopher Snake is a large, non-venomous constrictor that is often mistaken for a rattlesnake. They have a tan or yellowish body covered in dark brown blotches along the back and smaller markings along the sides. The head is slightly pointed with a lighter facial stripe.

-Bullsnake: The Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi) is a subspecies of the Gopher Snake, typically larger with bolder blotches and a more robust body.

Gopher Snakes are found throughout New Mexico and much of the U.S., thriving in deserts, grasslands, farmland, and foothills. They are harmless to humans and pets and play an important role in rodent control, preying on gophers, mice, rats and ground squirrels. When threatened, they may hiss loudly, flatten their heads, and vibrate their tails—a defensive mimicry that makes them look and sound like rattlesnakes. Despite the bluff, they are non-venomous and will usually retreat if given the chance.

They are extremely common in our area and are often the reason we get remove calls due to the fact that they are similarly patterned to the prairie Rattlesnake.