What is the scientific name of the Great Basin Gopher Snake?

The scientific name of the Great Basin Gopher Snake is Pituophis catenifer deserticola.

How big do Great Basin Gopher Snakes get?

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

How long do Great Basin Gopher Snakes live?

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

What temperatures does a Great Basin Gopher Snake need?

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

What humidity does a Great Basin Gopher Snake need?

Great Basin Gopher Snakes need 30-50% humidity.

Do Great Basin Gopher Snakes need UVB lighting?

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

What size enclosure does a Great Basin Gopher Snake need?

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

What do Great Basin Gopher Snakes eat?

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

Are Great Basin Gopher Snakes good for beginners?

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

Are Great Basin Gopher Snakes nocturnal or diurnal?

Great Basin Gopher Snakes are diurnal (active during the day).

What is Great Basin Gopher Snake behavior like?

Common Great Basin 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 Great Basin Gopher Snakes lay eggs?

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

How many eggs does a Great Basin Gopher Snake lay?

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

How long do Great Basin Gopher Snake eggs take to hatch?

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

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

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

What is the best enclosure for a Great Basin Gopher Snake?

Recommended enclosures for Great Basin Gopher Snakes by age. Juvenile: Vivarium 36" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums. Sub-adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2'). Adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').

What lighting products are best for a Great Basin Gopher Snake?

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

Is there a complete habitat bundle for Great Basin Gopher Snakes?

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

Great Basin Gopher Snake

Common Name(s)	Great basin gopher snake
Scientific Name	Pituophis catenifer deserticola
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) 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	30-50%
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” (ideally) 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 Great Basin Gopher Snakes

Adult Great Basin Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Adult Great Basin Gopher Snakes

ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

Best Enclosures for Adult Great Basin Gopher Snakes

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

Best Lighting Products for Adult Great Basin Gopher Snakes

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

Best Heating Products for Adult Great Basin Gopher Snakes

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

Vivarium Electronics Thermostats: VE-200

Best Bundles for Subadult Great Basin Gopher Snakes

Subadult Great Basin Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Subadult Great Basin Gopher Snakes

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

ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles: Breeder Block

Best Enclosures for Subadult Great Basin Gopher Snakes

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

Best Lighting Products for Subadult Great Basin Gopher Snakes

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

Best Heating Products for Subadult Great Basin Gopher Snakes

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

Vivarium Electronics Thermostats: VE-200

Best Bundles for Juvenile Great Basin Gopher Snakes

Juvenile Great Basin Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle

Best Substrates for Juvenile Great Basin Gopher Snakes

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

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

Best Enclosures for Juvenile Great Basin Gopher Snakes

36" Sliding Door Reptile Vivarium (36x18) - 50 Gallon: Black

Best Lighting Products for Juvenile Great Basin Gopher Snakes

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

Best Heating Products for Juvenile Great Basin Gopher Snakes

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

Vivarium Electronics Thermostats: VE-200

The Great Basin Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer deserticola) is a fascinating subspecies known for its impressive mimicry and adaptability to various environments. One of the most intriguing aspects of this snake is its remarkable defensive behavior, which mimics that of a rattlesnake. When threatened, the Great Basin Gopher Snake will flatten its head, vibrate its tail, and produce a loud hissing sound, all of which closely resemble the behavior of a rattlesnake. This mimicry is so convincing that it often deters potential predators, despite the snake being non-venomous. This behavior is a prime example of Batesian mimicry, where a harmless species imitates a harmful one to avoid predation.

Another interesting fact about the Great Basin Gopher Snake is its adaptability to diverse habitats within the Great Basin region. This subspecies is commonly found in arid and semi-arid environments, including deserts, shrublands, and grasslands. It is also known to inhabit agricultural areas and is often found near human settlements, where it helps control rodent populations. The snake's ability to thrive in a range of habitats, coupled with its varied diet that includes small mammals, birds, and eggs, makes it an important ecological player in the ecosystems it inhabits. Additionally, its resilience and adaptability have contributed to its stable population status, making it a common sight within its range.

Native Range

United States

Arizona

California

Colorado

Idaho

Nevada

New Mexico

Oregon

Utah

Washington

Wyoming

Canada

British Columbia

Why ReptiChip?

ReptiChip is made by great basin gopher snake lovers, for great basin 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 great basin gopher snake bedding for your pet.

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

Common Great Basin Gopher Snake ReptiChip Questions

: The scientific name of the Great Basin Gopher Snake is Pituophis catenifer deserticola.
: Great Basin Gopher Snakes are native to United States, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Canada, and British Columbia.
: Adult Great Basin Gopher Snakes typically reach about 4-6 ft length.
: Great Basin Gopher Snakes live about 15-20+ years with proper care.
: Recommended temperatures for a Great Basin Gopher Snake: 70-75°F cool side, 80-85°F warm side, and 85-90°F basking spot.
: Great Basin Gopher Snakes need 30-50% humidity.
: UVB lighting is recommended because it benefits Great Basin Gopher Snakes. Lighting spec: UVA/UVB benefits animal.
: Recommended enclosure sizes for a Great Basin Gopher Snake: Baby-Young: 36”x18”x18” (<6 months +); Sub Adult-Adult: 48”x24”x24” (4 ft adult minimum), 72”x24”x24” (ideally). Always base adult size enclosure off of snake size. They should be able to stretch out in length completely & turn around comfortably.
: Great Basin Gopher Snakes eat: Carnivorous: Whole Prey, Rodents, Quail, Chicks, Frog/Toad, Snakes, Lizards.
: Great Basin Gopher Snakes are not usually recommended for beginners; they are rated Intermediate for keeper experience. If previously established on F/T rodents.
: Great Basin Gopher Snakes are diurnal (active during the day).
: Common Great Basin 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. Great Basin Gopher Snakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
: A Great Basin Gopher Snake clutch is typically about 6-24 eggs.
: Great Basin Gopher Snake eggs typically incubate for about 60-80 days before hatching.
: Recommended substrates for juvenile Great Basin Gopher Snakes: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use and ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for sub-adult Great Basin Gopher Snakes: ReptiEarth Fine Coconut Fiber Mix; Ready to Use, ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles, and ReptiChip Coarse Coconut Chip Mix; Ready to Use.
: Recommended substrates for adult Great Basin Gopher Snakes: ReptiChip Breeder Blocks and Bundles and ReptiEarth Breeder Blocks and Bundles.
: Recommended enclosures for Great Basin Gopher Snakes by age. Juvenile: Vivarium 36" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums. Sub-adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2'). Adult: Vivarium 48" Sliding Door Reptile Terrariums (4'x2').
: Recommended lighting products for Great Basin Gopher Snakes: Arcadia 6% UVB D3 Forest Lighting.
: Recommended heating products for Great Basin Gopher Snakes: Vivarium Electronics Radiant Heat Panels and Vivarium Electronics Thermostats.
: Yes. Recommended habitat bundles for Great Basin Gopher Snakes by age. Juvenile: Juvenile Great Basin Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Sub-adult: Subadult Great Basin Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle. Adult: Adult Great Basin Gopher Snake Ultimate Habitat Bundle.