I've been wondering if they actually do eat gophers or if the name was mistakenly given them because they happened to share the same territory as gophers when someone decided to name them. We have a bunch of gophers around our yard along with gopher snakes, but we also have a lot of field mice. I'd think the mice would be an easier catch as well as a more appropriate sized prey than the gophers.
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Do gopher snakes eat gophers?
xdeus
Jun 19, 2006 11:31 AM
Replies (6)
lbrat
Jun 19, 2006 09:29 PM
Just had to do that.
Br8knitOFF
Jun 20, 2006 05:23 PM
LOL!
//Todd
FrankR
Jun 20, 2006 07:22 AM
I believe the name originated from the habit of these ophidians occupying gopher holes as subterranean retreats, I think gopher tortoises where named for similar reasons.
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Frank Roberts
R&R Herpetological
Roberts'Realm of Reptile Research
tspuckler
Jun 20, 2006 11:23 AM
The main food item of wild pine snakes is pocket gophers. Presumably this is how gopher snakes (pine snake relatives), got their name - because gophers are an important prey item.
Tim
Third Eye
FrankR
Jun 20, 2006 11:38 AM
...
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Frank Roberts
R&R Herpetological
Roberts'Realm of Reptile Research
sc_shark
Jun 24, 2006 02:52 PM
Gopher snakes definately love to eat gophers, and they will eat just about any rodent that they can overpower and swallow.
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- Andy
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