Scientific: Pituophis catenifer Spanish: Serpiente de Gopher del Pacífico Awaswas: Siwot
Diet: Small mammals, birds, lizards Habitat: Grasslands, open woodlands CaliforniaStatus: Least Concern
This strong constrictor will kill its prey by coiling its body or pressing the animal up against the wall of its burrow. While they are not venomous, gophers snakes will sometimes vibrate their tails to mimic a rattlesnake and warn off predators. You can differentiate these harmless reptiles from rattlesnakes by the lack of a triangular head and rattle.
