Pacific Gopher Snake (a.k.a. Bull Snake)

scientific name

Pituophis melanoleucus cantenifer

size/weight/height

Length: 3.9 - 6.8'

adaptations/coloration

Color: dark brown or black blotches on
tan or light brown background
• usually dark line across head
Body: stout • heavy
Head: flattened

behavior

terrestrial (largely) • diurnal (except during hot weather)
Aggression: impressive aggressive display; puffs up, hisses loudly. strikes (non-venomous) & rapidly vibrates tail (in dry grass/leaves may sound like a rattle)
Climbing: good climber
Prey: kills by constriction • at times may search for prey in bushes or trees • has been known to kill rattlesnakes by biting head & holding it until it weakens
Sound: mimics rattlesnake

reproduction/lifespan

Nest: often uses abandoned mammal burrows • 12-14 eggs in single mass
Young: 8-12" at hatching

diet

carnivore
Wild: bats, birds, lizards & small animals
Zoo: mice

habitat/range

habitats vary • usually absent from dense forests & high mountains • most common in Northwest in semi-arid brushy areas & adjacent to farms • southern British Columbia to Mexico

status

common

other

one of larger Oregon snakes • also known as bull snake • 10 sub-species in the U.S. - 2 occur in Pacific Northwest

note

All native reptiles are suffering from habitat loss • Many species are protected and it is illegal to take them out of the wild for any reason • It is illegal to collect them for pet trade

oregon zoo exhibit

Education Programs