Breeding: mating occurs in April and May. Female lays 1-2 clutches of an average of 7 eggs. Eggs hatch in 50-79 days. Study found that males reach sexual maturity in 1-2 yr, females in 3-5 yr.
Range:
Diet: Eats rodents, rabbits, birds and their eggs, and occasionally lizards and insects (latter 2 items are more common in diet of juveniles than adults).
Behavior:
Conservation Status: There has been no proposed conservation plans. It appears to be able to coexist with humans. This may be, in part, because many people understand the benefit the snake provides in controlling rodent populations. Although they may be frequently found near human habitation, the natural habitat of the snakes is the canyons and meadows of the area. If these habitats are removed, local survival of the Gophersnake may become threatened.
Additonal Notes:
Subspecies:
Sonoran Gopher Snake (P. c. affinis ) - text Photo...
Pacific Gopher Snake (P. c. catenifer) - text Photo...
Great Basin Gopher Snake (P. c. deserticola) - text Photo...
Santa Cruz Gopher Snake (P. c. pumilis) - text Photo...
