Gopher Snake

Pacific gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer catenifer) are cold blooded reptiles, which leads to their somewhat frequent sightings as lovers of sun bathing. Unfortunately, gopher snakes look quite similar to rattlesnakes, and it can be a startling encounter to stumble upon one in the wild. They even go so far as to vibrate their tails in a form of mimicry, warding off predators who might confuse them for venomous rattlesnakes and decide it would be best to leave them alone. These local snakes grow up to nine feet in length and are in the constrictor family, killing their prey via suffocation much like a boa constrictor. Gopher snakes are completely harmless to humans and much more afraid of us than we are of them. Enjoy this four-foot average snake as it slides past you on the trail. It could be 12-15 years old!