Gopher Snake Eating a Rabbit

Description:

This snake is often mistaken for a diamondback rattlesnake but can be easily distinguished from a rattlesnake by the lack of black and white banding on its tail, and the narrower head it has. The Gopher snake has an odd defense mechanism, in which it will puff its body up and curl itself into the classic strike pose of the pit viper genus, but rather than an open mouthed strike, the gopher snake is known for striking with a closed mouth, using its blunt nose to "warn-off" possible predators. It will often also shake its tail to confuse predators into thinking it is a rattle snake. This works best when the snake is in dry leaves or gravel. It usually hunts its prey on land, but occasionally ventures out into ponds to hunt frogs. Adults specimens are 36-84 inches (91–213 cm) in length.[1] Dorsally they are yellowish or pale brown, with a series of large dark brown or black blotches, and smaller dark spots on the sides. Ventrally they are yellowish, either uniform or with brown markings

Habitat:

This snake is found throughout Kansas, and is most common in the third region. This snake is often mistaken for a diamondback rattlesnake but can be easily distinguished from a rattlesnake by the lack of black and white banding on its tail, and the narrower head it has.