Gopher Snakes (Pituophis catenifer) are non-venomous constrictors found across a large portion of North America. Like all snakes, they possess teeth and will bite if they feel threatened. They are frequently mistaken for rattlesnakes due to their size and defensive displays, which often leads to unnecessary fear. Understanding their dental structure and defensive behavior clarifies that a bite from this snake is generally a minor injury.
The Dental Structure of Gopher Snakes
Gopher Snakes have aglyphous dentition, meaning they lack specialized fangs for venom delivery. Their mouths are lined with numerous rows of solid, ungrooved teeth. These teeth are small, sharp, and curve distinctly backward toward the snake’s throat.
The backward curvature is a mechanical adaptation for securing prey. Once the snake grips an animal, the shape of the teeth prevents the victim from pulling free, ensuring a firm hold during constriction or swallowing. The teeth function purely as gripping tools, not for chewing or injecting toxins.
Understanding Defensive Bites
Gopher Snakes are non-aggressive but will bite defensively if harassed, handled, or cornered. A defensive bite is a last resort, usually preceded by a display intended to deter a perceived threat. The snake often coils its body and flattens its head into a triangular shape, mimicking a venomous pit viper.
They produce a loud, forceful hiss using a specialized flap of tissue called the glottis. Simultaneously, the snake rapidly vibrates its tail, which can sound like a rattlesnake when done against dry vegetation. If a bite occurs, the injury is typically superficial puncture marks or scrapes from the small teeth. Since they are non-venomous, the bite is not medically significant beyond the need for basic cleaning to prevent infection.
How Gopher Snakes Capture and Consume Prey
The primary method of subduing prey is powerful constriction, not the use of their teeth. Gopher Snakes wrap their muscular bodies around small animals like rodents, birds, and eggs, applying pressure until the prey succumbs. After the prey is immobilized, the teeth play a distinct role in the ingestion process.
The backward-curving teeth maintain a directional grip on the meal, facilitating the swallowing of large prey whole. The snake uses independent movements of its upper and lower jaws to “walk” its mouth over the item. This specialized dental structure ensures the food moves only toward the esophagus and into the digestive tract.
Identification and Range
Gopher Snakes are widespread across North America, ranging from southern Canada down to northern Mexico. They inhabit diverse environments including prairies, deserts, and woodlands. They are large, heavy-bodied snakes, often reaching lengths of four to six feet. Their coloration varies by region, typically featuring a base color of yellow, tan, or cream with a pattern of dark brown or black blotches.
Distinguishing features include keeled scales and a dark line running from the eye toward the jaw angle. Unlike venomous snakes, Gopher Snakes possess round pupils and lack a rattle at the end of their tapered tail. These snakes provide an important ecological service by controlling rodent populations in agricultural and natural areas.