Gopher Snake
(Pituophis Melanoleucus)

From southern Canada throughout most of the United States to northern Mexico. One of our most common snakes. Medium to large (to 7 ft. in our region; 9 ft. in Midwest) diurnal or crepuscular snake. Tan to whitish dorsally with large black to brownish blotches; dorsal scales keeled; pale ventrally with dark flecks. A powerful constrictor, this beneficial snake preys primarily on small rodents, occasionally lizards. Often mistaken for a rattlesnake because of defensive posture with coiling, hissing, flattening of head and vibrating of tail.