Pacific Gopher Snake

Description:

I found this one as it was coming through a hole in my fence. Usually they are 48-96 inches long but this one was only about 50 inches and had 4-6 inches of its tail missing. The wound was well healed, not sure how it happened. When I got near, it flattened out its head and neck area and started hissing at me. They usually shake their tail rapidly to make noise but this one couldn't do that. There are several subspecies & with the black/brown markings I think this one is a pacific gopher snake.

Habitat:

When I found this one it was a dry, very hot day. This subspecies can be found throughout California and Oregon.

Notes:

They are often mistaken for rattlesnakes due to the rapid shaking of their tail in dry leaves.