pacific gopher snake (pituophis catenifer catenifer) adult in defensive posture. santa cruz mountains, california, usa.

pacific gopher snake posture san francisco bay area nonvenomous colubrid west coast pituophis catenifer spotted spots yellow brown outdoors dirt ground crawler north america united states fauna endemic of california urban animals chaparral and woodlands closeup macro head threatened carnivorous diurnal gophersnake striking animal wild wildlife serpent reptile strike poised defensive viper santa cruz mountains adult attack