Prior to setting up the tools and dumpster on the driveway for some yard work today, this smallish Sonoran Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer affinis) appeared on the driveway near the garage door that I had opened shortly before. It seemed to be headed toward the garage, but when I called Damsel out for this photo op, the snake suddenly decided to head off to the rosemary patch giving her a loud hiss before disappearing from view.
These snakes can be up to six feet in length as adults, but this one was barely two feet long. It had to be a youngster in snake years.
We like having these guys around the area because they prey on rats and other undesirable desert rodents. Sonoran Gopher Snakes are plentiful in the southwest. We have seen as many as ten of these in the five years of living here and only one rattlesnake, which I think is a good ratio. Also, only one Gila Monster sighting.
Yay!! It’s snake season again! And that’s a good-looking snake!
I love the brown saddle pattern on these guys. Very pleasant to see them out and about again.