Gopher Snake {Pituophis catenifer [=melanoleucus]) 



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 

 from 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 between 2-24 eggs during the summer months 

 (Hammerson 1982a), and the young resemble the aduhs 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, 

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

 to a lesser extent on frogs and toads 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." During the 1998 

 surveys, adults were encountered between 1 May and 22 July (Appendix 4). 



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

 the best results without resorting to trapping techniques. Gopher Snakes 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. Many MTNHP records are documented 

 road-kills. Population data can be enhanced by mark-recapture techniques. 



Status: The Gopher Snake is widespread in eastern Montana, and the most frequently 



encountered large snake. There are records from all counties bounded by the Miles City 

 District, BLM, except Daniels County. This species was not detected during the 1998 site 

 surveys, but was encountered 1 1 times in 6 counties in 1998, and twice in Carbon County in 

 1995 (Appendix 4). Additional 1998 records came from Big Horn, Carbon, Dawson, and 

 Yellowstone counties. Although this is a common species, any sightings should still be 

 documented to fill distribution gaps. Of particular interest would be documentation of any 

 denning sites located. 



Montana Natural Heritage Program rank: G5 S5. 



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