Gophersnake
(Pituophis catenifer)

The Gopher Snake is a common, harmless snake that is sometimes mistaken for a rattlesnake. The Gopher Snake can be distinguished from a rattlesnake by the long narrow head (rattlesnakes have a diamond shaped head) and the lack of rattles at the tip of the tail. This snake is found in most habitats from the central and western portion of the United States south into Baja California and Mexico, from below sea level to 9,200 feet in elevation. The Gopher Snake is primarily diurnal but will become active at night during hot weather. There are 6 races of Gopher Snake. The local race is the San Diego Gopher Snake (P. c. annectens).

Status: Not protected
Habitat: Most habitats within its range
Diet: Rodents, birds, lizards, and insects
Breeding Season: June through August
Typical number of eggs per clutch: 2-24
Adult mean* snout-vent length: 106.0 cm
Adult active period on the Preserve: March through December
Hatchling mean* snout-vent length: 46.3 cm
Hatchling active period on the Preserve: April through December (see graph)

*mean measurement of individuals captured in the San Bernardino Valley by Museum researchers

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