Gopher Snake

Types of Snakes Garter Snake Identification Racer Ring-necked Snake

Gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer), also called bull snakes, are native to the western United States.

They are large snakes, averaging around three feet in length, that normally live in low altitute woodland areas.

The picture shows a close up of the face. The dark spots on the lighter scales run down the lenght of the snake, making it easily mistaken for a rattle snake.

Prior to approaching the snake for a close-up picture, make sure there is no rattle on the tail. Otherwise, as a general rule they are rather harmless, but are known to bite on occasion when irritated.

The Pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus) is a related East Coast species.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels