Gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer) are large nonvenomous snakes that are common in North America. These snakes can grow to be over six feet in length and are typically brown or tan in color with dark brown or black markings.
These snakes are often considered nuisance animals because they can enter homes and yards in search of food. Gopher snakes typically eat small mammals such as gophers mice and rats.
If you have a gopher snake in your home or yard the best way to get rid of it is to call a professional wildlife removal service. These services are experienced in dealing with gopher snakes and will be able to safely remove the snake from your property.
If you decide to try and remove the snake yourself there are a few things you should keep in mind. First gopher snakes are not venomous so you don’t need to worry about being bitten. However these snakes can be aggressive when they feel threatened so it’s important to be careful when handling them.
Second gopher snakes are protected by law in some states so you need to be sure that it’s legal to remove the snake from your property. In most cases you will need to obtain a permit from your state wildlife agency before you can remove a gopher snake.
Lastly always use caution when dealing with any type of snake. Even though gopher snakes are not venomous they can still bite and cause injury. If you are not comfortable handling the snake it’s best to leave it alone and call a professional.
How do you get gopher snakes out of your yard?
Answer 1: The best way to get rid of gopher snakes is to eliminate their food and shelter sources.
Keep your grass short clear out wood and rock piles and seal any cracks or holes in your foundation or exterior walls.
You can also try using a snake repellent.
How do you keep gopher snakes away?
Answer 2: See above.
In short by keeping your yard free of debris and food sources and by making it difficult for them to enter your home.
What do gopher snakes eat?
Answer 3: Gopher snakes are predators and will eat a variety of small animals including rodents lizards and birds.
What does a gopher snake look like?
Answer 4: Gopher snakes are typically brown or tan in color with dark brown or black blotches down their backs.
They can grow to be quite large up to 8 feet in length.
Where do gopher snakes live?
Answer 5: Gopher snakes are found in a variety of habitats including grasslands deserts and forests.
In the wild they will often take up residence in burrows or abandoned mammal dens.
Are gopher snakes dangerous to humans?
Answer 6: Gopher snakes are not typically dangerous to humans although they can bite if they feel threatened.
They are also not venomous.
What is the best way to catch a gopher snake?
Answer 7: The best way to catch a gopher snake is to use a snake hook or a long piece of wire.
Carefully grab the snake behind the head and lift it up.
How do you kill a gopher snake?
Answer 8: The best way to kill a gopher snake is to cut off its head.
Alternatively you can kill it by suffocating it.
How do you humanely kill a gopher snake?
Answer 9: The most humane way to kill a gopher snake is to cut off its head.
What are some of the dangers of killing a gopher snake?
Answer 10: If you do not cut off the snake’s head properly it can still bite you and inject you with venom.
Additionally if you suffocate the snake it may take a long time to die and it will likely experience a great deal of suffering.
How do you dispose of a dead gopher snake?
Answer 11: You can bury the snake in a hole orwrap it in a trash bag and put it in the garbage.
Are there any benefits to having gopher snakes around?
Answer 12: Yes gopher snakes can help control rodent and other pest populations.
I found a gopher snake in my house what should I do?
Answer 13: If you find a gopher snake in your house the best thing to do is to carefully capture it and release it outside.
My dog/cat killed a gopher snake is there any danger to my pet?
Answer 14: No there is no danger to your pet if it kills a gopher snake.
I think there is a gopher snake in my chimney what should I do?
Answer 15: You should call a professional to remove the snake.
