Gopher Snakes (Pituophis genus) are widespread, non-venomous constrictors found across North America. These large, ecologically beneficial snakes are important controllers of rodent populations. Due to their size and characteristic markings, they are frequently confused with rattlesnakes, making accurate identification important for both human safety and snake conservation. Understanding the specific physical traits of the Gopher Snake is the best way to distinguish this harmless species from potentially dangerous vipers.
Size and Body Structure
Gopher Snakes are robust snakes, with adults commonly reaching lengths of four to six feet. Their body is powerfully built, reflecting their constricting method of hunting, and often appears thick or somewhat squarish in cross-section.
The scales covering the body of the Gopher Snake are heavily keeled, meaning each scale has a distinct ridge running down its center. This scalation gives the snake a rougher, duller texture and appearance. They also possess a distinctive, enlarged scale at the tip of the snout, called the rostral scale, which aids them in burrowing into the ground.
Defining Color Patterns
The coloration of the Gopher Snake is highly variable, often mimicking the soil or vegetation of its specific geographic region. The background color typically ranges from straw or tan to yellow or cream, providing camouflage. This lighter ground color is overlaid with a striking pattern of large, dark blotches running the length of the back.
These dorsal blotches are usually brown, dark chocolate, or black. The blotches are often square or rectangular in shape. Smaller, secondary rows of dark spots are also present along the sides of the body, complementing the main dorsal pattern. A dark stripe often runs across the face, usually from the eye to the angle of the jaw, which can be an additional visual aid in identification.
Distinguishing Features from Vipers
Several distinct physical features allow for clear differentiation. The head of a Gopher Snake is relatively narrow and oval-shaped, transitioning smoothly from the neck with little difference in width. This contrasts with the broad, triangular or spade-shaped head of most vipers, which is caused by the presence of large venom glands.
The eyes of the Gopher Snake have round pupils, a characteristic feature of many diurnal snakes. Rattlesnakes and other pit vipers, in contrast, typically possess vertical, slit-like pupils. Furthermore, Gopher Snakes lack the facial pits—heat-sensing organs located between the eye and the nostril—that are present on all pit vipers.
The most obvious difference is the tail structure. The Gopher Snake’s tail tapers gradually to a sharp point, lacking the segmented, keratinous rattle found on the end of a rattlesnake’s tail. Although a Gopher Snake will vigorously shake its pointed tail when threatened to mimic a rattle, the absence of the actual rattle structure is a definitive visual cue.