Sonoran gopher snake. And is that an albino?



In my opinion, a gopher snake is as much, or more of a ratsnake than a beauty snake is.



Gophers and bulls eat mice and rats, right? Beauties do too. A gopher is a powerful constrictor as a beauty is also. The thing that is different about Pituophis from more typical ratsnakes, is that ratsnakes generally are semi-arboreal. Pituophis doesn't climb much as far as I know.



However, taeniura, with all its subspecies doesn't climb a whole lot either. Both the blue beauty and the cave rat do climb occasionally though. The beauty snakes usually are somewhat racer like. The species typically hides in burrows and moves quickly from place to place when on the prowl. Of course, this varies bt. the ssps.



Both the blue and the cave rat get quite large. I would say similar to the Sonoran gopher, maybe up to 7 ft., or more. They grow pretty quickly and can eat a lot and can eat quite large meals when adults.



I have never kept the cave or blue beauty, but from experience with several other ssps, I'd say they are a little on the nervous side. I've never been bitten, but they can be very aggressive at feeding time. You'd have to be careful with your hands.



Comparing again to gophers, I'd say gophers might be a little easier to handle, and not quite as stiff bodied.



The different beauty snakes are remarkable animals and very unique, definately worth experimenting with. Hope you like them.












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Just looking, clicking, curious, studying, laughing, having fun, meeting cool folks, sharing. Live your dream, relax, smile, don't worry so much, love life. See ya there...TC.

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