Pacific gopher snake
A species of Gopher snakes, Also known as Western gopher snake, Bullsnake, Oregon bullsnake, Sonoran gopher snake, Gopher Snake Scientific name : Pituophis catenifer Genus : Gopher snakes
Pacific gopher snake, A species of Gopher snakes
Also known as:
Western gopher snake, Bullsnake, Oregon bullsnake, Sonoran gopher snake, Gopher Snake
Scientific name: Pituophis catenifer
Genus: Gopher snakes
Content
Description General Info
Photo By aspidoscelis , used under CC0-1.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Pituophis catenifer is a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake endemic to North America. Six subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominotypical subspecies, Pituophis catenifer catenifer, described here. This snake is often mistaken for the prairie rattlesnake but can be easily distinguished from a rattlesnake by the lack of black and white banding on its tail, and by the shape of its head which is narrower than a rattlesnake's.
General Info
Lifespan
12-20 years
Diet
Pacific gopher snake predominantly feeds on small mammals, particularly rodents like rats and mice. It uses constriction to subdue its prey, a technique that reflects its opportunistic feeding behavior and adaptability.
Appearance
The pacific gopher snake is a large, robust snake, with a heavy body and a slimmer tail. Its skin is covered in non-reflective scales, typically beige with brown spots, overlaid with dark blotches forming a pattern. Notably, it lacks venomous fangs and a hood. There are no significant variations in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Pacific gopher snake is a solitary, non-venomous snake primarily displaying nocturnal activity. This species has a strong preference for burrowing, which facilitates both hunting and concealment within its native habitat. Uniquely, pacific gopher snake exhibits a defensive behavior known as 'bluffing', where it hisses loudly and vibrates its tail when threatened, simulating the behavior of venomous rattlesnakes, an effective adaptive deception for survival.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Colubrids Genus
Gopher snakes Species
Pacific gopher snake 
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