Gopher Snake vs Rattlesnake: How to Tell Them Apart

When you encounter a snake in western or southern states, the fastest way to identify it is to listen. If you hear a rattling sound coming from the tail, it is a rattlesnake. Gopher snakes are completely silent and have no rattle. The rattle of a rattlesnake is made of modified scales at the tail tip and is one of the most distinctive animal sounds in North America. The second tell is head shape. Rattlesnakes have a distinctly triangular or arrowhead-shaped head that is wider than their neck, with a noticeable neck constriction. Gopher snakes have a narrower, more rounded head that flows smoothly into their neck. The third tell is eye pupils. Look at the eyes if you are close enough and safe. Rattlesnakes have vertical slit pupils like a cat. Gopher snakes have round pupils. For more information about identifying snakes safely, check the wildlife guides or see regional information like rattlesnakes in California.

Both gopher snakes and rattlesnakes can be fairly large snakes, but there are significant differences in their typical sizes and body proportions. Gopher snakes usually measure about 3 to 5 feet long, though some individuals can reach 6 to 7 feet in length. Rattlesnakes vary more by species, but most common species in the US measure about 2 to 4 feet, with some larger species like western diamondbacks reaching 5 to 7 feet or more. Both snakes have relatively stout, muscular bodies built for hunting in dry, rocky terrain and for burrowing. Gopher snakes are constrictors and have a powerful body that can squeeze their prey. Rattlesnakes are venomous hunters and have slightly more compact, heavily muscled bodies. The tail proportions differ: gopher snakes have a tail that tapers gradually to a thin point, while rattlesnakes have a thicker tail base that ends more abruptly at the rattle. Coloring-wise, gopher snakes and rattlesnakes can have surprisingly similar tones, which is part of the confusion between them. Gopher snakes are typically tan, brown, or yellowish with darker brown or reddish blotches running down their back. Their belly is usually pale or yellowish. This blotched pattern provides camouflage in rocky and sandy habitats. Rattlesnakes also have earth-tone coloring with patterns, but the patterns differ by species. The common western diamondback rattlesnake has diamond-shaped patches along its back. The prairie rattlesnake has similar blotches to gopher snakes. Gopher snakes have adopted a coloring and pattern that mimics rattlesnakes as a defense strategy, making them look dangerous when they are not. If you examine closely, gopher snake patterns tend to be more regular and uniform along the body. Rattlesnake patterns sometimes show more variety and irregularity depending on the individual and species.

The most important difference between these two snakes is that rattlesnakes are venomous and gopher snakes are not. Rattlesnakes have venom that they inject through hollow fangs when they bite. Different rattlesnake species have different types of venom. Hemotoxic venom destroys blood tissue, while neurotoxic venom affects the nervous system. A rattlesnake bite requires immediate medical attention. Gopher snakes are completely non-venomous and harmless to humans. They kill their prey by constriction, squeezing their food until it suffocates. A gopher snake bite would feel like any other snake bite and would cause no venom effects. Despite being harmless, gopher snakes put on a dramatic show when threatened. They flatten their head to look wider, hiss loudly, and strike at threats without making contact. This bluffing display is highly effective at making people think they are rattlesnakes. If a snake is attacking you or a pet, it is a gopher snake performing its mimicry defense. A rattlesnake typically warns first with its rattle before striking.

Gopher snakes and rattlesnakes have different ranges across the United States. Gopher snakes are found primarily in western and southwestern states from Oregon and California east to the Great Plains, and south into Mexico. They prefer open country with sparse vegetation, rocky areas, and grasslands where gophers and ground squirrels are found. Gopher snakes often use abandoned rodent burrows for shelter. Rattlesnakes are found in more states overall, from coast to coast, though they are less common in far northern and northeastern regions. Rattlesnakes live in deserts, grasslands, rocky foothills, and even some woodlands. Different rattlesnake species have different habitat preferences. The eastern diamondback prefers coastal pine forests and flatlands. The prairie rattlesnake lives in grasslands and prairies. The western diamondback inhabits deserts and dry rocky areas. In areas like California and Arizona, both gopher snakes and rattlesnakes are common. If you are hiking in open country in the West, you might encounter either species.

Gopher snakes and rattlesnakes have different hunting methods based on their fangs and venom. Gopher snakes are constrictors. They strike at prey and then coil around it, squeezing until the animal suffocates. Gopher snakes eat gophers, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and other burrowing rodents. They are named for their preference for gophers. Gopher snakes are active during the day and hunt on the ground and in burrows. Rattlesnakes use venom to kill prey quickly. They strike with open jaws, inject venom through their fangs, and then release the prey to let the venom work. This method is faster than constriction and keeps rattlesnakes from being injured by struggling prey. Rattlesnakes eat rodents, lizards, birds, and other snakes. Both snakes are beneficial for pest control in agricultural and wild areas. Gopher snakes are especially valued for keeping gophers out of crops and gardens. Rattlesnakes are important predators of rodent populations. Both snakes are generally calm and will move away from humans if given the chance. They only strike when they feel threatened or cornered.

One persistent myth is that gopher snakes can bite as dangerously as rattlesnakes. Gopher snakes cannot cause venom effects because they have no venom. Their bites are harmless. Another myth is that all snakes that flatten their heads or hiss are venomous. Flattening the head and hissing are common defense displays used by many non-venomous snakes. Some people believe that gopher snakes can actually produce a rattle sound through hissing. Gopher snakes cannot make a rattle sound, though the rattle of a frightened snake can sound similar to a hiss to someone unfamiliar with snake sounds. Another myth is that you should kill any snake you see to be safe. Killing snakes is unnecessary and illegal in many states. Both gopher snakes and rattlesnakes are more afraid of you than you should be of them. Most snake bites occur when people try to kill snakes. If you leave a snake alone, it will leave you alone. A final myth is that rattlesnakes always rattle before striking. While rattlesnakes usually do warn by rattling, they may strike without warning if they are cornered or surprised.