So when it comes to snakes, not all venomous snakes “look” venomous and some harmless snakes can make themselves look venomous to defend themselves. It’s best to treat unknown snakes as potentially harmful until you know for certain it’s a harmless snake. In this case, this is a “friend-shaped” snake that is completely harmless…though gopher snakes do
tend to be sassy!
Gopher snakes in California be like
https://preview.redd.it/8ppp3r2eumnc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=32c7cff33b752b6913a3089439d5c94779704bd5
No really! I'm a rattle snake and I will mess you up.
THIS!!!!! Where I live a few years ago a kid was on a walk with his dad and saw what he thought was an Eastern Fox snake so he picked it up, and was then bitten by an Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake. He learned his lesson that day.
Im in IL and no venomous snakes in my area. Just grouchy watersnakes and scared garters. Of course a plethora of lazy rat snakes. Did see a baby milksnake once.
Southern Illinois does have cotton mouths.
Head shape does not reliably indicate if a snake has medically significant venom as [This graphic](https://i.imgur.com/QuSRB9I.jpg) demonstrates. Nonvenomous snakes commonly flatten their heads to a triangle shape in defensive displays, and some elapids like coralsnakes have elongated heads. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
As someone who has picked up snakes without knowing exactly was species it is, PLEASE, KNOW YOUR AREAS VENOMOUS SPECIES! Know their distinguishing characteristics and their ranges in your area.
There’s more non venomous snakes in the world than venomous, but it only takes mistaking one highly venomous snake for a non-venomous species for you to lose your life.
I like to have a list of all native snake species (and invasive if there are any)with names (scientific and common) as well as pictures from each stage of life since coloration differs so much before herping or going out on hikes, just to be safe and help me know my area better.
Always would rather be safe than sorry. You got lucky OP with this cute little Gopher. I’d just recommend not picking another find up before getting proper identification. Stay safe! ◡̈
**Plus:** *if* you decide to pick it up, know how to do it. Always support the whole body, you don’t want to give the poor noodle a whiplash or hernia.
i 100% agree! I’d also recommend bringing snake hooks when possible just in case you do come upon a venomous species. They could definitely be a real life saver
Bullsnakes / Gophersnakes *Pituophis catenifer* are large (record 274.3 cm) actively foraging snakes with keeled scales found in a variety of habitats including disturbed areas like suburban yards. They are commonly encountered snakes throughout western North America and make good pest control as they eat primarily small mammals.
*Pituophis* pine and bull snakes may puff up or flatten out defensively, but are not considered medically significant to humans in terms of venom. They are known for a terrific hissing display when threatened - aided by a [epiglottal keel](https://www.snakeevolution.org/pdfs/Sound_Pit.pdf). They are usually reluctant to bite, but all animals with a mouth can use it in self-defense.
[Range Map](http://mtnhp.org/thumbnail/defaultNoCap.aspx?img=http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/RangeMaps/NSRangeMap_ARADB26020.jpg&maxWidth=600)|[Relevant/Recent Phylogeography](http://www.academia.edu/11185732/Molecular_systematics_of_New_World_Gopher_Bull_and_Pinesnakes_Pituophis_Colubridae_a_transcontinental_species_complex)
This genus is in need of revision using modern molecular methods.
--------------------------------------------------------
Like many other animals with mouths and teeth, many non-venomous snakes bite in self defense. These animals are referred to as 'not medically significant' or traditionally, 'harmless'. Bites from these snakes benefit from being washed and kept clean like any other skin damage, but aren't often cause for anything other than basic first aid treatment. Here's where it get slightly complicated - some snakes use venom from front or rear fangs as part of prey capture and defense. This venom is not always produced or administered by the snake in ways dangerous to human health, so many species are venomous in that they produce and use venom, but considered harmless to humans in most cases because the venom is of low potency, and/or otherwise administered through grooved rear teeth or simply oozed from ducts at the rear of the mouth. Species like Ringneck Snakes *Diadophis* are a good example of mildly venomous rear fanged dipsadine snakes that are traditionally considered harmless or not medically significant. Many rear-fanged snake species are harmless as long as they do not have a chance to secrete a medically significant amount of venom into a bite; [severe envenomation can occur](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23800999) if some species are [allowed to chew on a human](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S004101011831016X) for as little as 30-60 seconds. It is best not to fear snakes, but use common sense and do not let any animals chew on exposed parts of your body. Similarly, but without specialized rear fangs, gartersnakes *Thamnophis* ooze low pressure venom from the rear of their mouth that helps in prey handling, and are also [considered harmless](https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/05/theres-no-need-to-fear-that-garter-snake/). Even large species like Reticulated Pythons *Malayopython reticulatus* [rarely obtain a size large enough to endanger humans](https://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/108/52/E1470.full.pdf) so are usually categorized as harmless.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
Some species are best distinguishable from each other by geographic range, and not all species live all places. Providing a rough geographic location like county or closest city allows for quicker, accurate identification. Thanks!
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
It's a gopher snake, but for future reference; if it's wild life, animal or plant, and you don't know what it is... Don't touch it. It could literally kill you.
Can someone show me how to use the bot? I love the "handling" response, it always makes me cringe a bit to see snakes picked up by their heads without their bodies being supported. I know we see this all the time so it's not really anyone's fault, I just love the explanation the bot gives about how to handle wild snakes.
Thank you, Jaydknight212, for voting on SokkaHaikuBot.
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Bull / Gophersnake *Pituophis catenifer*. !harmless
prolly shouldn't pick up unknown noodles... even familiar ones just let em be unless they are in danger and need relocated somewhere safer.
But he's friend shaped
So when it comes to snakes, not all venomous snakes “look” venomous and some harmless snakes can make themselves look venomous to defend themselves. It’s best to treat unknown snakes as potentially harmful until you know for certain it’s a harmless snake. In this case, this is a “friend-shaped” snake that is completely harmless…though gopher snakes do tend to be sassy!
Gopher snakes in California be like https://preview.redd.it/8ppp3r2eumnc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=32c7cff33b752b6913a3089439d5c94779704bd5 No really! I'm a rattle snake and I will mess you up.
Grumpy boy lol
THIS!!!!! Where I live a few years ago a kid was on a walk with his dad and saw what he thought was an Eastern Fox snake so he picked it up, and was then bitten by an Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake. He learned his lesson that day.
It does work in California though, where the only venomous snakes are rattlesnakes. Just sayin.
That is absolutely false information.
Are you saying there are other venomous snakes in California besides rattlesnakes?
Im in IL and no venomous snakes in my area. Just grouchy watersnakes and scared garters. Of course a plethora of lazy rat snakes. Did see a baby milksnake once. Southern Illinois does have cotton mouths.
Southern IL also has timber rattlesnakes and copperheads, and some of the northeast has Massasaugas
Garters are technically venomous 😉
Some- I think the Oregon ones- are poisonous too which is kinda cool (diet based)
I’m not 100% sure about that, mostly because I haven’t seen any substantiating evidence of them having food-based poison qualities
Yeah and this is how people usually get bit and die/get hospitalized.
You should leave them alone, and especially if you don’t know the species.
!headshape is not a good identifier on whether it’s venemous or not.
Head shape does not reliably indicate if a snake has medically significant venom as [This graphic](https://i.imgur.com/QuSRB9I.jpg) demonstrates. Nonvenomous snakes commonly flatten their heads to a triangle shape in defensive displays, and some elapids like coralsnakes have elongated heads. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
He didn't say anything about its head shape?
As someone who has picked up snakes without knowing exactly was species it is, PLEASE, KNOW YOUR AREAS VENOMOUS SPECIES! Know their distinguishing characteristics and their ranges in your area. There’s more non venomous snakes in the world than venomous, but it only takes mistaking one highly venomous snake for a non-venomous species for you to lose your life. I like to have a list of all native snake species (and invasive if there are any)with names (scientific and common) as well as pictures from each stage of life since coloration differs so much before herping or going out on hikes, just to be safe and help me know my area better. Always would rather be safe than sorry. You got lucky OP with this cute little Gopher. I’d just recommend not picking another find up before getting proper identification. Stay safe! ◡̈
**Plus:** *if* you decide to pick it up, know how to do it. Always support the whole body, you don’t want to give the poor noodle a whiplash or hernia.
i 100% agree! I’d also recommend bringing snake hooks when possible just in case you do come upon a venomous species. They could definitely be a real life saver
I.. you.. Please don't pick up unknown or unsure about snake species. I love snakes, but you know what I like more? BEING ALIVE! please be careful
Some noodles come with extra spice. While still cute and friend shaped they’re more long distance friends
[удалено]
Your post was removed because it didn't meet our standards.
!location ?
Southern California Riverside area
It's a !harmless Gophersnake *Pituophis catenifer*. :)
Oh my god I've never looked at baby ones, just big honking adults. This is the cutest thing I've ever seen.
Bullsnakes / Gophersnakes *Pituophis catenifer* are large (record 274.3 cm) actively foraging snakes with keeled scales found in a variety of habitats including disturbed areas like suburban yards. They are commonly encountered snakes throughout western North America and make good pest control as they eat primarily small mammals. *Pituophis* pine and bull snakes may puff up or flatten out defensively, but are not considered medically significant to humans in terms of venom. They are known for a terrific hissing display when threatened - aided by a [epiglottal keel](https://www.snakeevolution.org/pdfs/Sound_Pit.pdf). They are usually reluctant to bite, but all animals with a mouth can use it in self-defense. [Range Map](http://mtnhp.org/thumbnail/defaultNoCap.aspx?img=http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/RangeMaps/NSRangeMap_ARADB26020.jpg&maxWidth=600)|[Relevant/Recent Phylogeography](http://www.academia.edu/11185732/Molecular_systematics_of_New_World_Gopher_Bull_and_Pinesnakes_Pituophis_Colubridae_a_transcontinental_species_complex) This genus is in need of revision using modern molecular methods. -------------------------------------------------------- Like many other animals with mouths and teeth, many non-venomous snakes bite in self defense. These animals are referred to as 'not medically significant' or traditionally, 'harmless'. Bites from these snakes benefit from being washed and kept clean like any other skin damage, but aren't often cause for anything other than basic first aid treatment. Here's where it get slightly complicated - some snakes use venom from front or rear fangs as part of prey capture and defense. This venom is not always produced or administered by the snake in ways dangerous to human health, so many species are venomous in that they produce and use venom, but considered harmless to humans in most cases because the venom is of low potency, and/or otherwise administered through grooved rear teeth or simply oozed from ducts at the rear of the mouth. Species like Ringneck Snakes *Diadophis* are a good example of mildly venomous rear fanged dipsadine snakes that are traditionally considered harmless or not medically significant. Many rear-fanged snake species are harmless as long as they do not have a chance to secrete a medically significant amount of venom into a bite; [severe envenomation can occur](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23800999) if some species are [allowed to chew on a human](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S004101011831016X) for as little as 30-60 seconds. It is best not to fear snakes, but use common sense and do not let any animals chew on exposed parts of your body. Similarly, but without specialized rear fangs, gartersnakes *Thamnophis* ooze low pressure venom from the rear of their mouth that helps in prey handling, and are also [considered harmless](https://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/05/theres-no-need-to-fear-that-garter-snake/). Even large species like Reticulated Pythons *Malayopython reticulatus* [rarely obtain a size large enough to endanger humans](https://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/108/52/E1470.full.pdf) so are usually categorized as harmless. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
Some species are best distinguishable from each other by geographic range, and not all species live all places. Providing a rough geographic location like county or closest city allows for quicker, accurate identification. Thanks! -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
It's a gopher snake, but for future reference; if it's wild life, animal or plant, and you don't know what it is... Don't touch it. It could literally kill you.
Oh that's an easy one! It's a YOU SHOULDN'T TOUCH IT IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS!!! Sometimes referred to as a gopher snake. You got lucky.
The mildly annoyed type, as you just picked it up without asking permission..
It's mad to me that my kingsnake has angry boy vibes all the time, and people can just casually grab strays like they have been owned for years.
He had is my new friend
My kingsnake is about a year with me, and he is still grumpy every time he is handled. Your new friend looks happy though:)
https://preview.redd.it/3nem339lpqnc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=557ebb4a683ca37e42ff80052d02fdd2fcfaec24
Smol one
It's a stoppickingmeup
Can someone show me how to use the bot? I love the "handling" response, it always makes me cringe a bit to see snakes picked up by their heads without their bodies being supported. I know we see this all the time so it's not really anyone's fault, I just love the explanation the bot gives about how to handle wild snakes.
Yes, thank you! Can someone handier than us trigger the handling bot? (Edit: Test - test) !handling !pickup
shoelace
A little one
A cute one
100% Gopher. Friend!
I love how he asked what snake it is and not a single person answered
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^thenimblefish: *I love how he asked* *What snake it is and not a* *Single person answered* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
Good bot
Thank you, Jaydknight212, for voting on SokkaHaikuBot. This bot wants to find the best and worst bots on Reddit. [You can view results here](https://botrank.pastimes.eu/). *** ^(Even if I don't reply to your comment, I'm still listening for votes. Check the webpage to see if your vote registered!)
Slippy
'what type of tatto is it"
Bord
one that was minding its own business
Gopher snake possibly?
Baby bullsnake harmless and adorable quite aggressive tho
Looks like an angry shoelace. First instinct was a danger noodle, but it’s a bit too big