Reptiles

Gopher Snake

NPS Gallery

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.