Rattlesnake Vs Gopher Snake: How to Spot The Difference (2024)

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Look at their heads: rattlesnakes have triangle-shaped heads, while gopher snakes’ are narrower.

Another key difference is their tails: rattlesnakes have a loud, buzzing rattle at the end of theirs, while gopher snakes’ tails are silent.

You can also look at their patterns and colors: rattlesnakes have distinct dark diamonds or blotches on a light background, while gopher snakes’ markings are splotchier.

If you want to learn more about these snakes and how to identify them, keep reading.

Body Shape Differences

One of the most noticeable differences between rattlesnakes and gopher snakes is their body shape. From their heads to their tails, these two species have distinct features that can help you tell them apart at a glance.

In this section, we’ll take a closer look at these physical differences, giving you the knowledge to quickly identify whether you’re dealing with a rattlesnake or a gopher snake.

Rattlesnake’s Triangle-Shaped Head

The rattlesnake’s head is a key identifier. Picture a triangle with a flattened base—that’s the shape of a rattlesnake’s head. It’s distinctively broader and more triangular than the gopher snake’s head, which is flatter and narrower. Think of it as the rattlesnake’s "command centre", ready to strike with its venomous bite.

Gopher Snake’s Narrower Head

While rattlesnakes have triangle-shaped heads, gopher snakes sport narrower heads, which is a key physical difference between the two species. Gopher snakes have slender heads that taper into the neck, lacking the distinct triangular shape seen in rattlesnakes, a feature that is common among rattlesnakes in the desert southwest. This visual cue can be a lifesaver when trying to identify these snakes in the wild.

Rattlesnake’s Heavier Body

Now, let’s talk about the rattlesnake’s body. These snakes are known for their hefty size. The average rattler weighs around 5.1 pounds, but some can tip the scales at over 15 pounds! Female rattlesnakes tend to be larger and heavier than males, as they need that extra size to produce and carry their young.

Gopher Snake’s Longer Tail

While rattlesnakes can grow up to 8 feet long,

gopher snakes have a longer tail and a heavier body.

Gopher snakes can reach 9 feet in length,

with some sources citing an average length of 4-5 feet.

That’s a whole foot longer than the average rattlesnake!

So, if you’re trying to tell these two snakes apart, remember:

the gopher snake’s got a longer tail.

Patterns and Coloration

While body shape differences provide a solid foundation for distinguishing rattlesnakes from gopher snakes, patterns and coloration offer another key set of clues. The dorsal patterns and colors of these snakes can either make them stand out or help them blend seamlessly into their surroundings.

Rattlesnake’s Dorsal Pattern

The rattlesnake’s dorsal pattern is a key identifier, with its dark diamond or oval-shaped patterning. Here’s what to look for:

• Dark Diamond Pattern: The eastern diamondback’s dorsal pattern is made up of dark diamonds on a lighter background, providing excellent camouflage for this ambush predator.
• Dark Oval-Shaped Blotches: Some rattlesnakes have dark brown or black oval-shaped blotches on a gray or reddish-brown background.
• Dark Chevrons: Timber rattlesnakes have dark chevrons with light edging scales that get darker as they go closer to the tail.
• Crossband Pattern: Some rattlesnakes have a pattern of dark brown or black crossbands on a yellowish-brown or grayish background. These crossbands have irregular zig-zag edges and may be V- or M-shaped.

Gopher Snake’s Similar Pattern

Gopher snakes have a similar pattern to rattlesnakes, with splotchy dark markings on their backs.

Their coloration can vary depending on their subspecies and location.

Their base colors range from cream to light brown, yellow, tan, or dark brown, blending in with local vegetation.

Their bellies are usually light-colored, sometimes with spots.

They’ve 2–4 rows of spots along their sides, which can be black, brown, or reddish.

Rattlesnake’s Color Variations

Rattlesnakes sport a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns, making them masters of disguise in their habitats. While shades of brown are most common, rattlesnakes can also be gray, green, or even reddish-brown. Young rattlesnakes and those in lush habitats may have a greenish tint.

But don’t be fooled by their colorful camouflage. Rattlesnakes are venomous and pack a dangerous bite. So, if you spot one, keep your distance and admire its colorful coils from a safe spot.

Gopher Snake’s Brown or Gray Color

Gopher snakes come in a variety of shades, ranging from cream to light brown or dark brown, with some even having a greenish-grey tint.

Their colouring depends on their subspecies and location, often blending in with the local vegetation.

They usually have dark blotches on their backs and smaller dark spots along their sides.

Their bellies are typically light-coloured, sometimes with spots.

Behavior and Habitat

Rattlesnakes are known for their defensive tactics, while gopher snakes have a trick up their sleeve – they can mimic rattlesnakes! But don’t be fooled; these imposters lack the signature rattle. As for habitat, rattlesnakes favour rocky and dry environments, whereas gopher snakes are more likely to be found underground.

Rattlesnake’s Defensive Behavior

When threatened, rattlesnakes will often rattle their tails, creating a sound that acts as a warning to potential predators. They also have a venomous bite, but are generally non-aggressive and will usually only bite as a last resort.

Rattlesnakes are typically found in rocky environments, where they can find cover from predators and hunt for prey. They can also be found in a variety of other habitats, including plains, prairies, marshes, deserts, forests, and swamplands.

Gopher Snake’s Mimicry Behavior

While rattlesnakes rattle their tails as a warning, gopher snakes have a unique mimicry behavior. They’ve evolved to mimic the sight and sounds of rattlesnakes as a defensive strategy.

This mimicry behavior is a clever adaptation that gives gopher snakes an evolutionary advantage over their predators. By imitating the deadly rattlesnake, they deter potential threats, ensuring their survival.

Rattlesnake’s Rocky or Dry Habitat

Rattlesnakes are often found in rocky, dry habitats, but they can also adapt to a variety of environments. Here’s what you need to know about their rocky hideouts:

• Rocky Hideouts: Rattlesnakes love rocky outcrops and crevices, which offer cover from predators and plenty of prey, like rodents and lizards.
• Blending In: Their colour pattern helps them blend seamlessly into their rocky surroundings, making them hard to spot.
• Preferred Temperature: These snakes prefer temperatures between 26 and 32 °C, but they can survive freezing temperatures for short periods.

Gopher Snake’s Underground Habitat

Gopher snakes spend 90% of their time underground in dens or burrows. They dig their own burrows or use abandoned ones. Gopher snakes are ground-dwelling but can climb and swim well. They hibernate underground in winter. They bask in the sun and on roads, a habit that puts them at risk of being run over by vehicles snake survival odds.

Rattle and Sound Differences

One of the most distinctive differences between rattlesnakes and gopher snakes is the rattle sound made by the former. This sound is produced by the rattlesnakes’ unique tail structure, which vibrates rapidly when they shake it. Gopher snakes, on the other hand, don’t have this rattling mechanism, so their tails remain silent when moved.

Rattlesnake’s Rattle Sound

The rattlesnake’s rattle is loud and fast, and it’s a clear warning to stay away.

But why did rattlesnakes evolve to make this noise? It seems counterintuitive, as being stealthy would be an evolutionary advantage for a venomous snake.

One theory is that the rattle sound is a side effect of another beneficial mutation.

Whatever the reason, it’s now a well-known warning signal, and it’s definitely not one you want to hear while hiking.

Gopher Snake’s No Rattle Sound

Gopher snakes don’t have a rattle, but they can still make a sound that’s similar to a rattlesnake’s. Here’s how:

• Hissing: Gopher snakes can hiss loudly by using an organ in their mouth called the glottis, which opens and closes rapidly.
• Tail Vibrations: When a gopher snake shakes its tail rapidly, it can create a buzzing sound against the ground. This mimics the sound of a rattlesnake’s rattle.
• ‘Barking’: While less common, gopher snakes have been known to "bark", which is a loud, explosive hiss that occurs when they’re striking or lunging.

Rattlesnake’s Vibrating Tail

Unlike the gopher snake, a rattlesnake’s tail ends with a signature rattle, making a buzzing sound when vibrated. This rattle is formed by a series of hollow, interlocked segments made of keratin—the same material as our fingernails. Each time a rattlesnake sheds its skin, a new segment is added, providing a clue to the snake’s age.

Gopher Snake’s Silent Tail

While rattlesnakes have a loud rattle and vibrating tail, gopher snakes are the quiet type. Their tails don’t rattle or vibrate, so you won’t hear a peep out of them. This silent tail is one of the key ways to tell these snakes apart, especially since gopher snakes like to mimic their rattlesnake cousins in other ways.

Geographic Range and Distribution

Rattlesnakes and gopher snakes have their own unique stomping grounds when it comes to slithering across different terrains.

Rattlesnakes tend to stick to the western and southern regions of the United States, favoring desert and mountain habitats.

Gopher snakes are more widespread, making their homes across a wider range in the US and even down into Mexico.

Rattlesnake’s Western and Southern US Range

The Western rattlesnake, also known as the northern Pacific rattlesnake, is found in western North America, ranging from the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico to the southern interior of British Columbia in Canada. In the US, it’s commonly found in states like Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.

Gopher Snake’s Wider US and Mexico Range

Gopher snakes have a wide geographic range and distribution across North America.

They’re found in various habitats, from the woods and forests of Canada to the deserts and prairies of Northern Mexico.

These snakes slither from southern British Columbia and Alberta to Saskatchewan and as far south as Veracruz and Sinaloa in Mexico.

They’re also spotted in the Channel Islands and islands off Baja California’s west coast.

Rattlesnake’s Desert and Mountain Habitats

Rattlesnakes are found in a variety of habitats across the Americas, from Canada to Argentina. In the US, they’re common in the southwest, particularly in rocky environments that provide cover and food. They’re also found in plains, grassy areas, forests, and coastal regions.

Some species, like the tiger rattlesnake, are restricted to the Sonoran Desert, while others, like the blacktail, prefer mountain habitats.

Gopher Snake’s Varied Habitats

Gopher snakes are habitat generalists, and their geographic range is wider than rattlesnakes, often found in North American deserts

. They’re found in southern British Columbia, south through western North America to Northern Mexico.

These snakes are highly adaptable, living in a variety of habitats, including deserts, prairies, grasslands, savannas, shrublands, woodlands, forests, and marshes. They’re also found in urban areas like parks and gardens, attracted by prey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)