Gophersnake vs Rattlesnake

The gophersnakes’ biggest defense is to mimic a rattlesnake by puffing it’s body out, flattening it’s head into a triangular shape, and flicking it’s tail back and forth in dry brush to imitate a rattle. Although they seem similar, there are a few defining features to look out for. As seen in the picture, gophersnakes, even when flattened, are considerably thinner, their scales are shinier, the tail shapes are different, their coloring is different, as well as the patterns on their backs.

Gophersnake (Pacific):

Rattlesnake: