The Gopher snake (Pituophis Catenifer) is a member of the Colubridae family. They are a sub-species of the Bull and Pine snakes. Gopher snake are native to the western United States and has the widest range of any other snake in western US. They can be found throughout all four deserts of the southwestern US and up to 8,000 feet. They can reach lengths of 6-8'. Wild caught specimens may have nasty attitudes and may be bitey, but captive bred Gophers, with regular handling, are a bit skittish with great personalities.
Housing Gopher snakes is fairly simple. If you prefer racks, a medium/large rubbermaid shoebox can comfortably house an adult Gopher. If you prefer tanks, I house my 4 1/2 foot Gopher in a 10g. This gives him room to coil in his hidebox on one side of the tank, his water dish is on the other side. Neonates can be housed in rubbermaid shoeboxes as well.
Substrate is pretty much the same as other Colubrids. Avoid pine and cedar, excess dust is toxic to snakes. Aspen is best recommended and newspaper also works well.
Temperatures are easy to attain as well. Their basking area should be around 88 degress F. and the cool area should be 73-82 degrees. Heat pad should be provided.
Feeding is also fairly easy, sometimes it is difficult to get adults to feed. But after about the second or third time of offering food, they should eat. Neonate gophers should be fed a pinky twice a week. Sub-adults, a fuzzy or hopper once to twice a week. Adult should be fed a large mouse/rat once every 14 days.
This is a basic care sheet for Gopher snakes. They are a great, easy to care for snake to own. Thanks for reading!! Share