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Gopher Snake
by TEAMS Intern
Dana K.
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Description: "About 60" long,
body stout, scales keeled (smooth on lower side) 29+ rows; tail tapered; ground color
buff with large square shaped or oval "saddle marks" of black or
brown, and smaller dark spots on sides. Habitat: Great Valley into Yellow
Pine belt, mainly
in grasslands or open areas."
The large "Ball" snake often remains motionless when approached,
but if aroused it can travel at a good speed. But when cornered it will coil
up its body,
draw back, spread its head (like a rattlesnake), fill its lungs,
and then lunge and hiss at the intruder. In dry leaves the tail may vibrate,
making it seem like it's
a rattle snake. If held, gopher snakes might bite a finger. The Gopher
snake can climb trees to hunt bird nests, and it can dig into loose soil.
It finds shelter
under rocks, logs, boards, and rodent burrows. Mice, rats, squirrels,
pocket gophers, rabbits, birds like quail, and occasionally lizards are eaten.
Mating occurs in spring
or early summer. Emerging young are up to 16 inches long. |
