Reptile · Colubrid
Pacific gopher snake care guide
Pituophis catenifer catenifer
The pacific gopher snake is a beginner-level colubrid from Pacific coast USA. Adults reach 90–150 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Burrows and roams; give a long enclosure. Solitary.
- Enclosure 150 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Warm 29–32°C, cool 22–24°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a pacific gopher snake cost in Canada?
Pacific gopher snake quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 90–150 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Pacific coast USA
- Minimum enclosure
- 150 × 60 × 60 cm (59 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 143 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 29–32°C, cool 22–24°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Pacific gopher snake enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 150 × 60 × 60 cm (59 × 24 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix12 cm
Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.
Temperature: Warm 29–32°C, cool 22–24°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a pacific gopher snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 10–14 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Usually calm once settled despite its hissing bluff.
Health watch: Watch for respiratory infections and obesity.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check temperatures and refresh water.
Weekly
- Lightly moisten the cool end and lower soil.
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter; check hides and branches are stable.
Yearly
- Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used).
Recommended for a pacific gopher snake bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (150 × 60 × 60 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 12 cm
Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack
Optional top layer (coco husk chips)
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Cork Bark Flats
A hide in each temperature zone
Cork Branches
Many colubrids climb more than people expect
Pacific gopher snake FAQ
Is the pacific gopher snake good for beginners?
Yes – the pacific gopher snake is a good choice for beginners. Usually calm once settled despite its hissing bluff.
What size enclosure does a pacific gopher snake need?
At least 150 × 60 × 60 cm (about 59 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 143 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a pacific gopher snake cost in Canada?
Typically $100–250 CAD to buy, about $1040–1860 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–350 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a pacific gopher snake need?
Temperature: Warm 29–32°C, cool 22–24°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a pacific gopher snake eat?
Carnivore – frozen/thawed mice. Feed one appropriately sized thawed mouse every 10–14 days.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.