Unexpected New Pituophis!

So long story short I went to a university collection the other day to skin and process a large number of burms that had been euthanized as part of a pheromone study. I got to play with some live burms, indigo snakes, B. c. longicauda, carpet pythons, womas, black-headed pythons, etc... But when we were done I was asked if I wanted to take any snakes home. Apparently they're getting ready to move the facility and are trying to pare down the collection only to breeding and research projects, so of the many offerings I found...this guy. Or girl. We don't know and I will have to get it probed. :P
https://dl-web.dropbox.com/get/bajag...okGpBi4uOptAsA
This was identified as a Cape Gopher Snake or a Baja Gopher, but it is all Pituophis and I am in love already. It has some talky-attitude and I'm sure I'll get nailed eventually, but once out and in your hands it's very sweet. I know it's at least a few years old as it's been passed back and forth between two collections a long time, but it's exact age and origin is unknown. I'd already been looking through bullsnakes and gopher snakes to find a species I liked when this one was offered. Whatever the sex I hope I can find an opposite sex mate for the future.

Can't see the picture.

Congrats on the new addition. Pits are great snakes to keep. I couldn't see your original picture but hopefully you'll post more. :)

http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/file...bajagopher.jpgLet's try the photo thing again with a new URL since I can't find where to edit my original post (or even if I can).

Great score, congratulations!

Nice choice! :gj:

Holy crap that's such a cool snake!! Looks like two snakes in one with the different patterns :) gorgeous little guy/gal

Wow, very nice!

What a handsome snake! It brings back such memories! My first snake was a cape gopher. (Technically, my daughter's snake, but I was the one who took care of it. LOL) He was so awesome. They don't get as large as most other pits. Ours was named Caesar. He passed when he was about seven years old. We'd had him since he was a baby.

Awesome choice! Love how his colors Change