Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
Body length: 36 - 110"
Diet: Rodents, rabbits, and birds
The photograph above was taken of two male gopher snakes fighting on the Lower
Cliff Dwelling trail in the spring of 1995; the fight occurred while visitors
watched in late afternoon, and continued for at least two hours. Though rarely
observed, such combat is probably common among male gopher snakes competing for
a territory or female. Each combatant tries to maintain the uppermost position
and force his opponent's head to the ground.
Gopher snakes, often called "bullsnakes", are found throughout the United
States, and are seen with some frequency at the Monument. They are notorious impersonators
of rattlesnakes - when alarmed, they flatten
their heads, hiss, strike out repeatedly, and vibrate their rattle-less tails.
Nevertheless, they usually become mild-mannered when handled, and are well-liked
by some farmers because of the large numbers of rodents they consume.
NPS
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Updated
May 8, 2005