Alternate Name(s):

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

A large (4 ½ to 6 ½ feet), defensive snake with a loud, hiss, large heavily keeled scales, and a frightening demeanor. Despite its size, this is a secretive snake that spends much time hunting for rodents in their burrows. If disturbed while above ground it will often elevate its head well above body level and strike savagely from a modified coil. The ground color varies from chalk white to light yellow or pale gray. The markings are black. The rostral (nosetip) scale is enlarged Pine and gopher snakes, as a group, will hiss loudly if frightened and will often vibrate the tail. This latter, if in dried grass or leaves, will make a whirring sound that is rather similar to the noise of a rattlesnake. It is a powerful constrictor.

Unique Features:

The black and white body color, heavily keeled scales, and enlarged rostral scale will identify this snake.

Habitat and Diet:

Pine woodlands and open sandy areas. Babies eat lizards and small mammals; adults eat birds and small mammals, principally pocket gophers.

Geographic Range:

GA, SC, AL, NC, TN, KY, VA, WV, MD, NJ