Tell them apart
Western Massasauga vs. Cape Gopher Snake
It matters: the Western Massasauga is venomous, while the Cape Gopher Snake is harmless.
Western Massasauga
Sistrurus tergeminus
Venomous
- Family
- Viperidae
- Group
- Rattlesnake
- Size
- Small rattlesnakes, usually 1.5–3 ft.
- Identify
- Stout, dark-blotched body, nine large scales on the crown, and a small rattle.
Cape Gopher Snake
Pituophis vertebralis
Harmless
- Family
- Colubridae
- Group
- Gophersnake / Bullsnake
- Size
- Large, 4–7 ft.
- Identify
- Large, blotched, with a slightly pointed snout and keeled scales — no rattle.
How to tell them apart
Gophersnakes and bullsnakes mimic rattlesnakes by hissing and vibrating the tail, but they are harmless and have no rattle.
Never rely on a single feature to judge a live snake. If you cannot positively identify it, keep your distance. Informational only.