Gopher snakes mostly eat small rodents, such as gophers, but they’ve also been known to eat birds, eggs, lizards, and even bats. Unfortunately, since rattlesnakes sometimes lose their rattles, it’s easy to mistake gopher snakes for their more menacing cousins. When threatened, they may hiss or shake their tail like a rattlesnake this is all a bluff, though, as they’re non-venomous. They’re usually dark brown, green, or yellow, with spots and mottles all down their backs. You’ll rarely see them at elevations higher than 2,000 feet, however. They prefer semi-arid areas, including flat plains with a little bit of brush for cover, so they’re commonly found in agricultural settings. Gopher snakes are found all over California, but they’re more common in the southern regions. Pacific Gopher Snake Image Credit: Matt Jeppson, Shutterstock Many animals will kill them on sight, even if they don’t eat them these include deer, antelope, cows, horses, and of course, humans.ģ. These snakes eat birds, rodents, insects, and eggs, while birds, coyotes, bobcats, and other snakes like to eat them. Unfortunately, while the telltale rattle is the easiest way to identify these snakes, it’s not foolproof, as their rattles can break off. Dogs and other pets are more likely to get bit than humans, though. They can be found in urban environments too, with most human interactions coming on hiking trails and places of that nature. They’re typically brown or gray with blotches and bands all over their bodies, and when they’re in brush or a desert habitat, they can be almost impossible to spot. The western rattlesnake is the most common venomous snake in California, and it’s a good thing that they have rattles, because they’re experts at blending in with their environment. Despite their names, they won’t actually whip you (nor are they likely to coach you), and they typically prefer to run away rather than confront danger head-on. Some get quite aggressive, while others prefer to play dead. There’s no telling how these snakes will react when threatened. They aren’t venomous nor are they constrictors they just grab their prey and swallow them whole.Ĭoyotes, foxes, and birds of prey will all eat coachwhips. They’ll eat just about anything that they can fit in their mouths, including lizards, mice, insects, birds, and other snakes. They like open habitats and sandy soil, and they’re often found in forests, deserts, and farmlands. They’re also known as racers because they’re extremely fast. Coachwhips are among the most common snake species in the United States, and they can be found all over California, although they’re predominantly located in the central regions.
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