Identification
Rattlesnake or gopher snake?
Why one quick visual clue is rarely enough—and what to do while you are unsure.
Gopher snakes may hiss, flatten their heads, and vibrate their tails. Rattlesnakes may have a damaged or very small rattle and may stay silent. Because posture, pattern, and color overlap, keep your distance and avoid trying to inspect a snake closely. A safe-distance photo may help, but not every image allows a definitive identification.