Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer ssp.
|
Subspecies - Sonoran (P. c. affinis), San Diego (P. c. annectens), Pacific (P. c. catenifer), Great Basin (P.
c. deserticola), Santa Cruz Island (P. c. pumilis), Bull snake (P. c. sayi),
Characteristics - Sonoran (P. c. affinis), blotches brown or reddish brown on forepart of body,
distinctly darker on rear. San Diego (P. c. annectens), black blotches on forepart of body fuse
together. Pacific (P. c. catenifer), dark brown or black blotches on forepart of body separated;
interspaces between side blotches suffused with gray. Great Basin (P. c. deserticola), wide blotches on
forepart of body usually black, connected with side blotches, and creating isolated light blotches on
back. Santa Cruz Island (P. c. pumilis), dwarf race resembling San Diego, 24-32" (61-81 cm) long. Bull
snake (P. c. sayi), yellowish with 41 or more black, brown, or reddish-brown body blotches, dark line
from eye to angle of jaw.
Requirements - Ambient air temperature should range between 75° - 85°F during the day and may
drop to 70°F at night. An enclosure at least as long as 2/3 the snakes length and width at least 1/3 of
the snakes length. Make sure to provide a hide box or shelter for the snake to hide under, a water
bowl large enough for the snake to fully submerge itself in, a climbing limb, and a suitable substrate
(paper towels, newspaper, and reptile carpeting) as the snake may swallow its substrate. The enclosure
should be easy to clean and free of sharp objects. Only heat only one end of the enclosure so the snake
can get away from the heat and thermo regulate itself (or cool off). Keep light on in the enclosure for
12 hours then turn off the light source for 12 hours, continuous light will cause stress on the snake.
Never use a heat rock, your snake will burn itself on it!
Diet - Consists of mice and rats. Should be fed at least once every 7 to 10 days.
Size and life span - The length of a gopher snake can range in size from three to nine feet in length
depending on the species. The average life span is 20 – 25 years if properly cared for.
Handling - You should always support the snake’s body and avoid any fast movements. Try to avoid
restraining the snake. Avoid public situations that may be stressful on the snake. A nervous snake
may occasionally bite, snakes bite for two reasons: 1) they mistake you for a food source or 2) they are
in fear for their safety.