I am so beyond grateful & feel so blessed to witness and be graced by the presence of so many incredible creatures in our desert landscape.
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I’ve always had a love for snakes. I’m so appreciative of my papa for teaching me not to fear them with all his knowledge of the outdoors that continues to inspire me to always learn more about what grows and what lives on our beautiful Earth.
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I’m so stoked to have been visited by this gorgeous reptile!
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Meet the Sonoran Gophersnake! 🐍
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They look like and can mimic a rattlesnake but they are NOT a rattlesnake and you should NOT kill them!
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They are great to have around... they keep the rattlesnakes away as they compete with them for food.
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Having this snake around is a great sign that the more venomous ones are at bay.
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They also keep the rodent population in check!
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Distinguishing them from a rattler:
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* No rattle!
* More oval shaped head than a rattler which has a triangular spade shaped head.
* Round, circular eyes instead of “slits” like a rattler.
* Longer and thinner! They can grow up to 7+ feet! They are Arizona’s longest snake.
* No fangs! They are constrictors.
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Of course, always take precaution and use these key identification factors to determine whether you have a venomous rattlesnake or a harmless gopher snake!
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