Reptiles

Gopher Snake

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Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer)

Appearance: They are large, non-venomous snakes that are typically brown or tan in color with dark blotches or a checkerboard pattern on their backs. They often have a gray coloration on their sides and a distinct dark stripe that runs from the eye to the jaw.

Lifespan: 10-15 years in the wild

Size: Gopher snakes can grow to be up to 9 feet long.

Habitat: They are incredibly adaptable, finding suitable habitats across a wide range of environments. They thrive in open prairies, grassy meadows, deserts, woodlands, brushlands, and even agricultral areas. Their adaptable nature allows them to occupy diverse landscapes, including rocky areas, grasslands, and even suburban backyards.

Diet: Gopher snakes are opportunistic carnivores, meaning their diet varies depending on what's available in their environment and their size. They primarily eat small mammals like mice, rats, and gophers, but also consume birds, eggs, lizards, and event insects.

Reproduction: They mate in spring, usually in April or May, and females lay eggs in summer (June or July). These eggs, which are typically 2-24 in number, are laid in burrows, under rocks, or in moist soil. The eggs hatch after 64-79 days, with hatchlings emerging in August or September.

 

Common Garter Snake

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Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis Sirtalis)

Appearance: They are typically black, brown, gray, or green, and many have irregular red spots.

Lifespan: 2 to 7 years in the wild.

Size: They can grow to a length of 34 inches, though they are commonly shorter. Females are larger than males and have longer tails.

Habitat: They can be found in moist habitats, where it is active both during the day and at night. During cold times of the year, individuals of the species move underground or under cover and become inactive.

Diet: They eat primarily earthworms, fishes, and amphibians, but insects, spiders, small mammals, and small birds are occasionally consumed.

Reproduction: Females of the species give birth to between thirteen and twenty-six live young each year during mid-summer.