Gopher Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus). 



Description: Montana's largest snake, adult Gopher Snakes (also called BuUsnakes or Pine 

 Snakes) can reach a total length of 2 1 cm, but most specimens we have seen in western 

 Montana ranged between 90-150 cm. They are 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 spaced out 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. Young Gopher Snakes can be confused with young Racers which 

 also have the alternating black blotches, however the Racers have a black border on the dark 

 blotches, the scales are not keeled, and the anal plate is divided. Gopher Snakes lay between 

 2-24 eggs during the summer months (Hammerson 1 982a), and the young resemble the adults 

 in coloration. 



Habitat and Habits: Gopher Snakes are associated with more arid habitats, including open pine 

 forests. 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." Little is known about the biology of this 

 species in Montana. Most records for the BNF area are at elevations below 5000'. Surface 

 activity in the BNF area has been reported between 2 May and 25 September; most sightings 

 are from June- August. Individuals measured in 1995 were 105-120 cm in total length. 



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

 give the best results. Rocks and logs should be overturned (and replaced) when surveying. 

 Data can be enhanced by mark-recapture techniques. Roads can be driven slowly while 

 looking for basking individuals or roadkills. 



Status: Gopher Snakes in the BNF area are known from the Stevensville, Darby and Sula 



districts; this species was reported from each of these districts in 1995. Individuals actually 

 on Forest Service lands have been reported only from the Darby and Sula districts. Most 

 records in the area are from the Bitterroot Valley. However, the more arid portions of the 

 Forest are capable of having Gopher Snakes. It is recommended that any valid sighting be 

 kept on file and reported to the Heritage Program. 



Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S5. 



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