This is Buzz, our Gopher Snake, displaying tail vibration while he waits for us to finish cleaning his habitat! Tail vibration involves shaking of the tail in response to a possible predatory threat, and it is believed these snakes try to mimic the rattling sound produced by rattlesnakes. Gopher snakes come from North America, the same place where Rattlesnakes can be found, and because of their behavior, their scales shape and color, and the way they can coil their body, people often confuse Gop

Say hello to this tiny gopher snake who recently slithered into our care! 🐍💚 Gopher snakes are non-venomous and completely harmless to humans. In fact, they’re great to have around..they help control rodent populations naturally! Sometimes they get mistaken for rattlesnakes because of their coloring and bluffing behavior, but don’t be fooled..they’re just really good actors. If you spot one, give it space and let it keep doing its important job in the ecosystem! #GopherSnake #WildlifeEducation

Fox vs. Snake Showdown! The Santa Cruz Island gopher snake is found only on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands. Compared to its mainland counterpart, the Pacific gopher snake, which can grow up to 7 feet long, the Santa Cruz Island gopher snake is much smaller, rarely exceeding 3 feet long. When provoked or threatened, the Island gopher snake will elevate and inflate itself to look bigger and sometimes shake its tail back and forth, making a buzzing noise like a rattlesnake. Island gopher snakes