ClimateAugust 4, 2026
gophersnake
GO-fer-snayk
Definition
A large, non-venomous snake native to North America, known for its ability to mimic the defensive behaviors and appearance of rattlesnakes.
Etymology
The name is a compound of 'gopher' and 'snake,' derived from the reptile's historical reputation for frequently inhabiting the burrow systems of pocket gophers.
In the news
Researchers in the Okanagan desert are tracking the movements and behaviors of the Great Basin gophersnake to understand how to protect its habitat and population. The article notes that its tendency to mimic rattlesnakes often leads to it being mistakenly killed by humans.
In the Okanagan desert, snakes offer lessons on protecting a fragile ecosystem
Read the full article ↗Penticton Herald