How to Care for a Pacific Gopher Snake

A Pacific Gopher Snake--also referred to as Bull Snake or Pine Snake--is often mistaken for a Rattlesnake, due to its similar appearance and aggressive behavior. To identify a Pacific Gopher Snake, look for dark brown or black splotchy markings on a tan or sandy-colored body with dark lines across the head. If kept in captivity, a Pacific Gopher Snake can grow between 2 1/2 to 7 feet long and live an average of 15 years.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Substrate
  • Mice (live or frozen)
  • Tree limbs
  • Rocks (natural or electric)
  • Water Bowl
  • Cave or Logs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Found in California and warmer regions of the Pacific coast, the Pacific Gopher Snake resides in grasslands, forests, farmlands and marshes. This species' adaptability gives you a wide range of habitat options. However, each cage must include a few key items: water bowl; limbs for climbing; caves or logs for hiding and burrowing; and rocks for sunning and digestion.

    • 2

      The Pacific Gopher Snake is active during the day. It likes hot weather and semi-arid climates. Provide this snake with eight to 10 hours of light each day and maintain the temperature between 70 and 80 degrees.

    • 3

      Spot clean to pick up waste or uneaten prey at least once a week. Every month, give your snake's habitat a thorough cleaning; replace substrate as needed and take everything out of the cage and wipe it down with a solution of one ounce of bleach mixed with one quart of water. This includes the water bowl, branches, caves and sides of the tank.

    • 4

      In the wild, Pacific Gopher Snakes eat small animals including gophers, birds, lizards, insects, bats and mice. Mice are a readily-available food source for your snake. Purchase the mice alive or already dead at your local pet store.

    • 5

      Use an alternative space to feed your snake, like a cardboard box. The Pacific Gopher Snake is a constrictor, so the space you provide should offer adequate room for the snake to strike. Make sure the space will contain your snake and prevent escape. Since this snake can be aggressive, create a feeding habitat that minimizes the chance your snake could mistake your hand for food. Feed a smaller snake every seven to 10 days and a larger one every 14 to 20 days.