Pituophis catenifer

Also known as Gophersnake, Bullsnake, Pacific Gopher Snake, Pine Snake

Gopher snakes are powerful, heavy-bodied constrictors that play a critical role in controlling rodent populations across western North America. When threatened, they perform an elaborate bluff display, flattening their heads, hissing loudly, and vibrating their tails against dry vegetation to mimic rattlesnakes. Their dorsal pattern of dark brown or black blotches over a lighter straw-colored background provides excellent camouflage in prairies, brushlands, and deserts.