How Long Do Gopher Snakes Get?

Gopher snakes are one of the largest non venomous snake species in North America, and their impressive size is one of the things that makes them so fascinating. If you are thinking about getting one as a pet or have spotted one in the wild, here is what to expect in terms of size.

Average Adult Size

Adult gopher snakes typically reach 4 to 6 feet in length, with some individuals growing up to 7 feet or occasionally even longer. They are heavy bodied snakes with a muscular build that makes them look even larger than their length suggests. An average adult gopher snake is about as thick as a broomstick.

Females tend to be slightly shorter but heavier than males, especially during breeding season when they are carrying eggs. Males are generally longer but leaner. However, the size difference between sexes is not dramatic, and there is a lot of overlap.

Size by Subspecies

There are several subspecies of gopher snake found across North America, and their sizes vary somewhat.

Pacific gopher snakes are found along the West Coast and are among the larger subspecies, commonly reaching 5 to 6 feet with some individuals exceeding 7 feet.

Great Basin gopher snakes are widespread across the western interior and typically reach 4 to 5.5 feet. They tend to be slightly smaller than their Pacific cousins.

Bullsnakes (Pituophis catenifer sayi) are the largest subspecies and can regularly reach 5 to 7 feet, with exceptional individuals reaching 8 feet or more. They are found across the Great Plains and central United States.

Sonoran gopher snakes inhabit the desert Southwest and are generally on the smaller end, usually reaching 3.5 to 5 feet.

Growth Rate

Gopher snakes hatch at about 12 to 18 inches long and grow steadily during their first few years. With regular feeding, a young gopher snake can gain 12 to 18 inches per year during its first two years. Growth slows down after the third year but continues throughout the snake’s life at a much slower pace.

Most gopher snakes reach their adult length by 3 to 4 years of age. Diet plays a big role in growth rate. Snakes that are fed regularly with appropriately sized prey will reach their full size potential faster than those on a more conservative feeding schedule.

Gopher Snakes vs. Rattlesnakes in Size

Gopher snakes are often confused with rattlesnakes because of their similar coloring, pattern, and defensive behavior (gopher snakes will flatten their heads, hiss loudly, and vibrate their tails when threatened). In terms of size, gopher snakes are typically longer than most rattlesnake species they share habitat with, though rattlesnakes tend to be thicker bodied for their length.

The easiest way to tell them apart is the tail. Rattlesnakes have a segmented rattle at the tip of their tail, while gopher snakes have a pointed tail with no rattle. Gopher snakes also have round pupils, while rattlesnakes have vertical, cat like pupils.

Housing a Gopher Snake

Because of their large size, adult gopher snakes need spacious enclosures. A minimum of a 40 gallon tank (36 by 18 inches) is recommended for most adults, though larger individuals may benefit from a 4 to 6 foot long enclosure. Gopher snakes are active and appreciate having room to move around and explore.

Their care requirements are similar to other North American colubrids. They need a warm side of about 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, a cool side around 75 degrees, low to moderate humidity, and plenty of hiding spots. They are hardy, easy to care for, and have calm temperaments that make them excellent pets for intermediate snake keepers. For more on choosing a pet snake, see our guide to popular pet snake breeds.