Gopher Snake {PiUwphis catenifer f^DielanoleucusJ) 



Description: Montana's largest snake, the adult Gopher Snake (also called Bullsnake or Pine 

 Snake) can reach a total length of 7 feet, but most specimens seen in western Montana range 

 between 3-5 feet. It is readily recognized by a series of large black to brown blotches which 

 run down the back, and another series along the sides. The blotches, which are set on a 

 yellow background, become more widely spaced and darker towards the tail. The dorsal 

 scales are keeled. There is usually a black band on the head located in front of and extending 

 below the eyes. The ventral coloration is yellow to white, often spotted with black, and the 

 anal plate is undivided. 



Eggs and Young: Gopher Snakes lay bet\\'een 2-24 eggs during the summer months 

 (Hammerson 1982a), and the young resemble the adults in coloration. 



Similar species: Young Racers have a black border on dark blotches and the scales are not 



keeled. Young Western Hognose Snakes have an upturned nose. Western Rattlesnakes have 

 a rattle on their tail and triangular shaped heads. 



Habitat and Habits: Gopher Snakes are associated with dry, arid habitats including grassland, 

 slirub-steppe, and open pine forest. They feed on rodents, rabbits and ground dwelling birds, 

 and to a lesser extent on frogs, toads, etc., found around stock ponds and other wetlands. 

 They have a habit of hissing and vibrating the tail when alarmed, often sounding like 

 rattlesnakes. They occasionally climb trees, hence the common name "Pine Snake." 



Surveying: Walk-through surveys, done on a regular basis in warm, sunny weather probably 

 give the best results without resorting to trapping techniques. They are most easily found 

 near dens in the spring and fall. Funnel trapping is effective and they may occasionally be 

 found by night driving during the mid-summer. Data can be enhanced by mark-recapture 

 techniques. 



Status: The Gopher Snake was not seen in this survey nor are there historic records from the 

 HNF. However they are known from lower elevation areas on the plains adjacent to the 

 forest, and were reported within V* mile of the forest boundary by A. Harper and S. 

 Hendrickson (pers. comm.) in the western Big Belt Mountains. They almost certainly occur 

 on the HNF at low to mid-elevations; any sightings should be documented. Of particular 

 interest would be documentation of any denning sites located. 



Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S5. 



38 



