A few years back, I spent the day with a small group of local trackers whose skill I respect very highly. They are generous with their time and knowledge and make an effort to teach newbies (like me!). As many trackers do, they use the “Coyote Method” of instruction. I sometimes find this frustrating. But I always learn something new and wonderful from spending time with them. Accomplished people who willingly and graciously share their knowledge are very high in my esteem.
I approached a small group as they were engaged in a discussion about the finer points of distinguishing the harmless gopher snake from the venomous rattlesnake. One of the senior members was leading the discussion. I stood next to him and listened with polite attention. He explained that you can’t be too careful about knowing which is which. With that he reached into his fleece jacket…
It’s a Gopher Snake!
… and produced a two-and-a-half foot long GOPHER SNAKE!!!!
The snake is harmless, but will imitate rattlesnake behaviors to fool predators
(flatten its head, hiss loudly, and shake its tail rapidly)
Coiled in defense
Notice: Narrow head, no heat pits, round pupils, “mask” between eyes, and no rattle
He timed it perfectly! There I was, standing alongside minding my own business when the guy to my left unzips his fleece jacket and pulls out this enormous snake!!! I remained composed, but had that inward startle reaction that marks the best of practical jokes. I’m not particularly a “snake person”. They didn’t know it, but they got me pretty good!
He had known where the snake lived from a previous visit. He placed it into the inside pocket of his fleece jacket that many of us have to stuff gloves and the like. It was a cold morning and I’m sure the snake appreciated sharing his body warmth.
After smiles and photos, he returned the snake to the inner pocket of his fleece. I learned a bit about proper handling techniques and snake temperment. We continued our walk with the intention of returning it to its home on the way back to the trailhead.
But the snake had the last laugh
We tracked for a couple of hours. We found terrific mountain lion tracks and briefly examined a west coast terrestial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans terrestris). If people are interested in either, I can post pictures.
Our intention was to return the snake to its home on our way back to the trailhead. As we turned back, I asked the senior tracker how the snake was doing. He replied that the snake had chosen to depart a few minutes earlier. It must have seized its chance to escape while he was bending down at ground level to examine some tracks.
We didn’t worry. This was prime snake habitat and it was going to be fine. But it probably missed its sweet residence where we found him.
When we reached the trailhead, we mentioned to the others that the snake had gone AWOL. As traditional among many trackers, we held a “closing circle” to discuss the day. It was much warmer now, so as we talked the tracker removed his fleece. It turned out that the snake had not escaped — It simply relocated!
Sometime during the hike the tracker felt that his pocket was now empty. He did not realize the snake had moved to a warmer location until he went to remove his jacket. Good thing he didn’t wait to take off his fleece until after the drive home!
We were able to return the snake to its home and continue on our separate ways.
I mention this story to my friends from time to time. Invariably a Mel Brooks fan will remind me that proper etiquette when producing a gopher snake from your clothing is to say, “Excuse me while I whip this out!”
More Snakes on NatureOutside
Mountain Kingsnake – Beauty and Danger!
Gopher Snake – Master Impersonator!
Twisted, Tangled, Trapped, and Rattling!
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Great article on the gopher snake
Too bad we don’t have them in Raymond Mississippi
Tommy, you’ll just have to come out and visit us in California! 🙂
Thanks for the great articles! One comment–I used to work at a camp and we had a 5-foot long Gopher snake that we would periodically share with the students. I used to tell them that the gopher snake ‘imitated’ rattlesnake behavior, but the more I thought about it, the more I felt that it was just a defensive behavior that was similar to what a rattlesnake does–which unfortunately has probably led to the demise of many a poor gopher snake just doing it’s defensive thing. It’s a small difference, but do you know of any animals that ‘mimic’ others behavior as a learned response (other than trained in captivity) because they thought it might be a good idea for them, too? Love your newsletter…keeps me connected to the ‘wild things.’
Steve, this is a great question. I ask a similar one in this article: (https://www.natureoutside.com/gopher-snake-master-impersonator/). Scientists postulate a mechanism for batesian mimicry (where an edible species mimics an inedible or dangerous one). But I do not know any compelling explanation for how behavioral mimicry evolved. The Gopher snake is truly a puzzle.
As far as I know, humans are the only species that mimics other species’ behaviors as a learned defensive response. It would be fun to do some research in the scientific literature to learn if others exist.
I’m glad you enjoy the newsletter!