Gopher Snake vs Rattlesnake: What You Need to Know

What are Gopher Snakes?

Gopher snakes are a species of non-venomous snakes found in the western United States and northern Mexico. They are part of the Colubridae family and get their name from their distinctive pattern of stripes, which resemble the furrows of a gopher. Gopher snakes are usually brown or gray in color, with a series of dark, irregular stripes running down their backs. They have smooth scales and relatively small heads, which are typically about the same size as their bodies. Gopher snakes can grow up to 6 feet in length.

What are Rattlesnakes?

Rattlesnakes are a species of venomous snakes found throughout the United States and Mexico. They belong to the Crotalinae family and get their name from the distinctive rattle on the end of their tail, which they use to warn away potential predators. Rattlesnakes are usually brown or gray in color, with a series of dark, irregular stripes or blotches running down their backs. They have keeled scales and large heads, which are usually much larger than their bodies. Rattlesnakes can grow up to 8 feet in length.

What are the Differences Between Gopher Snakes and Rattlesnakes?

Appearance

The most noticeable difference between gopher snakes and rattlesnakes is their appearance. Gopher snakes have smooth scales and relatively small heads, while rattlesnakes have keeled scales and large heads. Gopher snakes also have stripes that resemble the furrows of a gopher, while rattlesnakes have stripes or blotches that are usually darker than those of gopher snakes.

Size

Gopher snakes can grow up to 6 feet in length, while rattlesnakes can grow up to 8 feet in length. This means that rattlesnakes are typically larger than gopher snakes, which makes them more intimidating to potential predators.

Venom

Another major difference between gopher snakes and rattlesnakes is that gopher snakes are non-venomous, while rattlesnakes are venomous. This means that rattlesnakes have the ability to inject venom into their victims, while gopher snakes do not. This venom can be deadly to humans and other animals, so it is important to be aware of the difference between these two snakes.

Habits

Gopher snakes and rattlesnakes also have different habits. Gopher snakes are usually active during the day and prefer to live in burrows or other underground areas. Rattlesnakes, on the other hand, are usually active at night and prefer to live in rocky areas or wooded areas.

Conclusion

Gopher snakes and rattlesnakes are both species of snakes found in the western United States and northern Mexico, but they have several key differences. Gopher snakes are non-venomous and usually have stripes that resemble the furrows of a gopher, while rattlesnakes are venomous and usually have stripes or blotches. Gopher snakes are usually active during the day and prefer to live in burrows, while rattlesnakes are usually active at night and prefer to live in rocky or wooded areas. It is important to be aware of the differences between these two snakes in order to identify them and stay safe.