Environment
Beneficial Gopher snakes are showing up in local yards
3' Gopher snake seen crossing a local patio this last week.
Reports are coming of gopher snake sightings in the area of South Washoe County. The sub-species Great Basin Gopher Snake are native and common to Western Nevada. Despite being snakes, they are helpful around the yard as they consume small rodents. All snakes can bite if harassed but gopher snakes are not venomous. They are burrowers and also climbers but mostly stay out of sight.
We were in Arizona several years ago when a sudden thunderstorm unleashed a deluge that flooded the small lawn. It was amazing to see several snakes leave their burrows and swim around until the waters receded and they could return to their burrows. Had no idea we were playing above their homes.
Finding the difference between a good snake and a bad one
But they kinda look like rattlesnakes. How do we tell the difference? . Gopher snakes are longer, thinner with a rounded snout and no rattle. Rattlesnakes are stockier, have the distinctive triangular head and rattles on the tail.
Further Reading and Viewing:
The Nevada Department of Wildlife has a page with more info here.
The Wikipedia entry is here.
A video on identification is on Youtube here: Gopher Snake/Rattlesnake Identification Video on YouTube
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