What is the scientific name of the Gopher Snake?

The scientific name of the Gopher Snake is Pituophis catenifer catenifer.

What are other common names for the Gopher Snake?

The Gopher Snake is also known as Coast gopher snake and Western gopher snake.

How big do Gopher Snakes get?

Adult Gopher Snakes typically reach about 4-6 ft length.

How long do Gopher Snakes live?

Gopher Snakes live about 15-20+ years with proper care.

What temperatures does a Gopher Snake need?

Recommended temperatures for a Gopher Snake: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 85-90°F basking spot.

What humidity does a Gopher Snake need?

Gopher Snakes need 40-50% humidity.

Do Gopher Snakes need UVB lighting?

UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Gopher Snakes. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.

What size enclosure does a Gopher Snake need?

Recommended enclosure sizes for a Gopher Snake: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24” (4 ft adult minimum), 72”x24”x24” (6 ft adult minimum). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.

What do Gopher Snakes eat?

Gopher Snakes eat: Carnivorous: Whole Prey, Rodents, Quail, Chicks, Frog/Toad, Snakes, Lizards.

Are Gopher Snakes good for beginners?

Gopher Snakes are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.

Are Gopher Snakes nocturnal or diurnal?

Gopher Snakes are diurnal (active during the day).

What is Gopher Snake behavior like?

Common Gopher Snake behavior traits: Defensive/skittish when young; Strong feeding response; Warm up easily with consistent handling; They will hiss very loudly when upset; Active when given space; When kept too hot they are not active; Powerful colubrids.

Do Gopher Snakes lay eggs?

Yes. Gopher Snakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.

How many eggs does a Gopher Snake lay?

A Gopher Snake clutch is typically about 6-24 eggs.

How long do Gopher Snake eggs take to hatch?

Gopher Snake eggs typically incubate for about 60-80 days before hatching.

What is the best substrate for sub-adult Gopher Snakes?

Recommended substrates for sub-adult Gopher Snakes: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles, ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles, ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use, and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.

What is the best enclosure for a Gopher Snake?

Recommended enclosures for Gopher Snakes: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').

What lighting products are best for a Gopher Snake?

Recommended lighting products for Gopher Snakes: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.

Is there a complete habitat bundle for Gopher Snakes?

Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Gopher Snakes by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Pacific Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Pacific Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Adult: Adult Pacific Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle.

Pacific Gopher Snake

Common Name(s)	Pacific gopher snake Coast gopher snake Western gopher snake
Scientific Name	Pituophis catenifer catenifer
Behavior	Diurnal (active during day) Defensive/skittish when young Strong feeding response Warm up easily with consistent handling They will hiss very loudly when upset Active when given space When kept too hot they are not active Powerful colubrids
Reproduction	Oviparous (Egg Layer) Gestation: ~30-45 days Clutch size: ~6-24 eggs Incubation: ~60-80 days
Lifespan	~15-20+ years
Temperatures	70-75°F cool side 80-85°F warm side 85-90°F basking spot
Humidity	40-50%
Lighting	UVA/UVB benefits animal
Size	~4-6 ft length
Enclosure Recommendations	Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +) Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24” (4 ft adult minimum) 72”x24”x24” (6 ft adult minimum) Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
Experience Level	Intermediate If previously established on F/T rodents Parents should always be involved caring for any pet, until the child is 18 yrs.
Diet	Carnivorous: Whole Prey Rodents Quail Chicks Frog/Toad Snakes Lizards

Filter by age:

Best Bundles for Adult Gopher Snakes

Adult Pacific Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Adult Gopher Snakes

ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

Best Enclosures for Adult Gopher Snakes

48" Sliding Door Reptile Vivarium (4x2): 120 Gallon 48x24x24 / Black

Best Lighting Products for Adult Gopher Snakes

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 48"

Best Heating Products for Adult Gopher Snakes

Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels: 80W – 22.5” x 12.5”

Vivarium Electronics Thermostats: VE-200

Best Bundles for Subadult Gopher Snakes

Subadult Pacific Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Subadult Gopher Snakes

ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

Best Enclosures for Subadult Gopher Snakes

48" Sliding Door Reptile Vivarium (4x2): 120 Gallon 48x24x24 / Black

Best Lighting Products for Subadult Gopher Snakes

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 48"

Best Heating Products for Subadult Gopher Snakes

Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels: 80W – 22.5” x 12.5”

Vivarium Electronics Thermostats: VE-200

Best Bundles for Juvenile Gopher Snakes

Juvenile Pacific Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Juvenile Gopher Snakes

ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use: 36 Quart

Best Lighting Products for Juvenile Gopher Snakes

Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting: LumenIZE® Smart UVB Kit / 36"

Best Heating Products for Juvenile Gopher Snakes

Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels: 40W – 12.5” x 12.5”

Vivarium Electronics Thermostats: VE-200

The Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer catenifer) is an impressive species native to the western United States, known for its remarkable ability to mimic rattlesnakes. This behavior, known as Batesian mimicry, is a fascinating example of survival strategy in the animal kingdom. When threatened, the Gopher Snake will flatten its head, hiss loudly, and rapidly shake its tail, often producing a sound that closely resembles the rattle of a rattlesnake if it comes into contact with dry leaves or other debris. This display can deter predators by making the snake appear more dangerous than it actually is, despite being non-venomous. The Gopher Snake's mimicry is particularly effective because it shares much of its range with rattlesnake species, leading potential predators to avoid what they perceive as a dangerous encounter.

In addition to its mimicry skills, the Gopher Snake plays a crucial role in controlling rodent populations, making it a valuable species for ecosystem balance. These snakes are powerful constrictors, using their muscular bodies to subdue prey such as gophers, mice, and other small mammals. Their diet also includes birds and their eggs, which they can access thanks to their adept climbing abilities. Gopher Snakes are often found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, deserts, and forests, demonstrating their adaptability to different environments. Despite their significant ecological role, Gopher Snakes are sometimes mistakenly killed due to their resemblance to rattlesnakes, underscoring the importance of education about these beneficial and non-venomous reptiles.

Native Range

United States

From Oregon west of the Cascade Range

South into California

West of the Sierra Nevada

Northern Santa Barbara County

Tehachapi Mountains

Why ReptiChip?

ReptiChip is made by gopher snake lovers, for gopher snake lovers. It’s what the pros use, and it’s what you can use, too.

Our product line includes BabiChip, RediChip, TropicalBase, MicroChip, and ReptiEarth, so you can be sure to find the perfect gopher snake bedding for your pet.

Ready to switch to the ultimate gopher snake bedding? Check out ReptiChip today.

Common Gopher Snake ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Gopher Snake is Pituophis catenifer catenifer.
: The Gopher Snake is also known as Coast gopher snake and Western gopher snake.
: Gopher Snakes are native to United States, From Oregon west of the Cascade Range, South into California, West of the Sierra Nevada, Northern Santa Barbara County, and Tehachapi Mountains.
: Adult Gopher Snakes typically reach about 4-6 ft length.
: Gopher Snakes live about 15-20+ years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for a Gopher Snake: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 85-90°F basking spot.
: Gopher Snakes need 40-50% humidity.
: UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Gopher Snakes. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a Gopher Snake: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24” (4 ft adult minimum), 72”x24”x24” (6 ft adult minimum). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
: Gopher Snakes eat: Carnivorous: Whole Prey, Rodents, Quail, Chicks, Frog/Toad, Snakes, Lizards.
: Gopher Snakes are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.
: Gopher Snakes are diurnal (active during the day).
: Common Gopher Snake behavior traits: Defensive/skittish when young; Strong feeding response; Warm up easily with consistent handling; They will hiss very loudly when upset; Active when given space; When kept too hot they are not active; Powerful colubrids.
: Yes. Gopher Snakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A Gopher Snake clutch is typically about 6-24 eggs.
: Gopher Snake eggs typically incubate for about 60-80 days before hatching.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Gopher Snakes: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use and ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult Gopher Snakes: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles, ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles, ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use, and ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult Gopher Snakes: ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended enclosures for Gopher Snakes: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').
: Recommended lighting products for Gopher Snakes: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.
: Recommended heating products for Gopher Snakes: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats.
: Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Gopher Snakes by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Pacific Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Pacific Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Adult: Adult Pacific Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle.