Hobbies And Interests
Identifying a Gopher Snake
A gopher snake is 2 feet to 7 feet in length, and has multiple rows of spots down its sides. It will be yellow or brown on top, and the base will be a grayish. This snake has keeled scales, and the head is wider than its neck. It also has a rotsral scale bulging on the end of its snout.
Behavioral Patterns
This snake is diurnal, meaning that it is awake during the day and sleeps at night. Sometimes in hot, dry temperatures, the gopher will become nocturnal, hunting at night to avoid the heat of the sun. The snake will hiss at you while flattening its head and also inflating its body if it feels frightened or threatened. If the weather is dry, the snake's tail may make a rattling noise like a rattlesnake.
Areas Gopher Snakes are Found
A gopher snake is most commonly found in areas that are dry. Meadows, valleys and grasslands, and also farming grounds are common places that you will find a gopher snake. Rarely are these snakes found in thick woods.
Be Cautious
Although a gopher snake's bite won't kill you, it may be painful. A gopher snake has two different bites that it relies on. The first is a warning bite where the snake will bite you and then release. The second is a feeding bite when the snake will not let go. When this happens, it may be necessary to pour alcohol on your hand to remove the snake.