While trekking through the hills of Playa Del Rey, California - my fiance and I came across this beautiful Pacific Gopher Snake in our path. While at first we were both a little startled at first - there was no sign of the snake feeling intimidated. It continued to take rest underneath a sprouted set of leaves and we had an awesome moment together.

There’s truly something special about connecting eye to eye with wildlife…even if it can’t see me all that well (snakes have ridiculously horrible eyesight), but it certainly was smelling my presence. Enjoy the video below by taking a quick glimpse into the life of a Pacific Gopher Snake.

Gopher Snake Facts:

• Pacific gopher snakes are nonvenomous, making them harmless to humans.

• They are called gopher snakes because they primarily eat gophers, as well as other rodents.

• Due to their similar coloration and patterns, they are often mistaken for rattlesnakes.

• When threatened, they may hiss and vibrate their tails in a similar manner to rattlesnakes.

• They typically reside in dens and burrows at elevations below 2000 feet.

• The snake's natural predators include red-tailed hawks, coyotes, and foxes.

• In the wild, they can live up to 15 years, while in captivity, they can reach up to 33 years.

• Pacific gopher snakes can grow to a length of 4-9 feet.

• During mating, male gopher snakes may bite females on the back of the neck.

• Pregnant females lay between 2 and 8 eggs in late June or early July and do not incubate them.

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All images subject to copyright ©2020 Brandon Slavinski