California Reptiles & Amphibians

Gopher Snakes found in California

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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.


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 Gopher Snakes are often mistaken for the more dangerous rattlesnakes and unnecessarily killed. 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.