Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer)

They can grow up to seven feet, but this little one was only about 18" long. Its head is narrow, but clearly wider than its neck. This nominate subspecies ranges from Northern California to British Columbia and is characterized by having two rows of lateral spots. Sometimes called Pacific Gopher Snake. They superficially resemble the venomous Northern Pacific Rattlesnake. Some differences are the dark "clown tear" scale below each eye and the four prefrontal scales anterior to the dark head-band on the Gopher Snake. Endemic to North America, they are famous for imitating the threat display of a rattlesnake, even shaking their tail when disturbed. Photographed in situ.