Pacific Gopher Snake

(a.k.a. Bull Snake)

scientific name

Pituophis melanoleucus cantenifer

size

Length. 3.9-6.8'

characteristics

Adaptations/Coloration. dark brown or black blotches on tan or light brown background " usually dark line across head
Body. stout " heavy-bodied
Head. flattened

behavior

terrestrial (largely) " diurnal (except during hot weather)
Climb. good climber
Food. constricts prey " at times may search for prey in bushes or trees " has been known to kill rattlesnakes by biting head & holding it until it weakens
Movement. impressive aggressive display - puffs up, hisses loudly, strikes (non-venomous), & rapidly vibrates tail (in dry grass and leaves may sound like a rattle) " rattlesnake mimic

reproduction/life span

Nest. often uses abandoned mammal burrows " 12-14 eggs in single mass
Young. 8-12" at hatching

diet

carnivore
Wild. bats, birds, lizards, & small mammals
Zoo. mice

habitat/range

habitats vary " usually absent from dense forests & high mountains " most common in northwest in semi-arid brushy areas & adjacent to farms " southern British Columbia to Mexico

status

common " all native reptiles suffering from habitat loss " many species protected " illegal to collect them for pet trade & to take any out of wild for any reason

other

one of larger Oregon snakes " 10 sub-species in the US - 2 occur in Pacific Northwest

oregon zoo exhibit

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