The Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer) is one of the most common and widely distributed non-venomous snakes across North America. Despite its intimidating size and defensive displays, gopher snakes do not possess true venom-delivering fangs. They are constrictors, meaning they subdue prey by wrapping around it and squeezing, a method that does not require the specialized dental structures of venomous species.
The Anatomy of Gopher Snake Teeth
Gopher snakes possess what is known as aglyphous dentition, a term used for snakes that lack specialized, venom-injecting teeth. This means all of their teeth are solid and ungrooved, unlike the hollow or channeled fangs found in venomous snakes. The teeth are numerous, small, and curve slightly backward within the mouth.
The backward-pointing teeth serve to firmly grip their prey, which consists mainly of rodents, birds, and eggs, preventing the meal from escaping as the snake begins the constriction process. These teeth are designed for holding and manipulating food during swallowing. The teeth of a gopher snake are similar in shape and size throughout the jaw, reinforcing their role as simple grappling tools.
Why Gopher Snakes Are Often Mistaken for Venomous Snakes
The common confusion between gopher snakes and venomous species, particularly rattlesnakes, stems from their remarkable defensive behavior. When threatened, the gopher snake is a master of mimicry, adopting several actions to deter potential predators. It will often coil its body into a striking posture, similar to that of a pit viper, and flatten its head significantly to make it appear more triangular and wide.
The snake also produces sound as part of this bluff. The gopher snake can inflate its body and expel air with a forceful, loud hiss that can sometimes sound like a buzzing rattle. Additionally, it rapidly vibrates its tail, and if this happens against dry leaves or brush, the movement creates a sound strikingly similar to a rattlesnake’s rattle. While a gopher snake may bite if handled or provoked, the bite is medically insignificant, resulting only in minor puncture wounds from its solid teeth.
Gopher Snakes in the Environment
The gopher snake plays a beneficial role across its extensive range, which covers diverse habitats from deserts and grasslands to forests and agricultural areas across North America. Their primary diet focuses on small mammals, including pocket gophers, mice, and rats. They actively hunt for prey, often entering rodent burrows to find their meals.
By preying heavily on burrowing and agricultural pests, gopher snakes provide a natural form of pest control. This ecological contribution makes them valuable to farmers and gardeners. They are active during the day, often spending significant time underground in burrows they either dig themselves or take over from rodents.