A Guide to the Amphibians
and Reptiles of California

Gopher Snakes found in California

Click on a picture for a larger view

Gopher Snakes are one of the most commonly seen snakes in California. Primarily active during the day, they are also active after sundown on hot days. They are often observed crawling across trails and roads, especially in the morning and evenings when daytime temperatures are high. They are frequently seen around human dwellings, including suburban backyards, attracted to the rodents which thrive in such areas. Several similar subspecies occur in California. Look at the map below to determine which one is found in your area. You can also use this key to California gopher snake subspecies.

Sonoran Gopher Snake - Pituophis catenifer affinis	Pacific Gopher Snake - Pituophis catenifer catenifer	San Diego Gopher Snake - Pituophis catenifer annectens

Great Basin Gopher Snake - Pituophis catenifer deserticola	Santa Cruz Island Gopher Snake - Pituophis catenifer pumilis

Harmless and beneficial Gopher Snakes are often mistaken for the more dangerous rattlesnakes and killed unnecessarily. It is easy to avoid this mistake by learning to tell the difference between the two families of snakes as shown in these signs. Unless you have experience handling venomous snakes, you should never handle a snake unless you are absolutely sure that it is not dangerous.