Gopher snake spotted in Walnut Creek backyard
By Gary Bogue
Monday, May 21st, 2012 at 6:57 am in Gopher snake.
Pacific gopher snake. Photo by Janet Fournier, Walnut Creek, CA
Gary:
This snake was in our backyard (upper Terrace Road area of Walnut Creek) yesterday afternoon. It’s a gopher snake … isn’t it? It was approx. 4 1/2 feet long. If it is a gopher snake I wish it would do a better job because we are inundated with gophers. Thanks!
Janet Fournier, Walnut Creek, California
Janet:
Yep, it’s a beautiful gopher snake. Hey, maybe it IS doing a better job. You might have twice as many gophers without it! Think about it. /Gary
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May 21st, 2012 at 8:23 am
I used to escort those snakes to the hills behind my house until I got into a tug-of-war with one. He didn’t want to be moved from the warmth of my patio. I never realized they were actually pretty strong. I let him be.
But I also started wondering what the heck I was doing in the past. They were borrowing space for a breather, not claiming property rights.
On the rare occasions that I do see them on “our” territory, I think they’re pretty cool.
Neat photo, Janet! He’s in perfect alignment with the sun, and he’s content.
May 21st, 2012 at 2:02 pm
I would like about ten of these to introduce to the rats under our deck. Although I do love the owls that come by our little “snack bar” each night…
May 22nd, 2012 at 7:19 am
I wish I had a gopher snake in my garden! I inserted some buzzing stakes to deter the gophers but they just moved to the next area of my garden. At least a snake is mobile! I grew up here and as a child I would see snakes and lizards all over the place. Not so much now. Hopefully because I’m an adult and spend less time outside playing…darn it.