Let the photo tell the story #2
- Setting: The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
- Main Character: Great Basin Gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer deserticola)
- Plot: say hello to my unexpectedly expected friend
A rattlesnake in disguise: the Gopher Snake
I encountered this little being a few years ago while backpacking in the Grand Canyon. While a few hikers scampered by in fear, my friend and I cautiously observed, allowing the snake to slither into a comfortable spot. And that comfortable spot was in the shape of a heart on a rock, a little off the narrow trail. I possess enough rationality to reason that this configuration was a random event, but the spiritual side of me saw something deeper. A message of thanks for not running away in fear or for not trampling it over as our paths crossed.
In the Grand Canyon, there are two subspecies of Gopher snakes- Great Basin (Pituophis catenifer deserticola) and Sonoran (Pituophis catenifer affinis). Our friend in the photo is, I believe, a Great Basin, but if anyone knows better, I would appreciate the correction! In general, Gopher Snakes are curious, active creatures with a diverse natural range. They are also master manipulators. Although nonvenomous, the Sonoran and Great Basin Gopher snakes are known to imitate rattlesnakes when feeling threatened. Their markings and black bands around the tail resemble those of a rattlesnake, specifically the Western Diamondback. They will coil, hiss, and rattle their tail to mimic the attack behavior of rattlesnakes to make-believe they are venomous and about to strike.
Mimicry is the greatest form of flattery
This mimicry behavior is common throughout the animal kingdom as an evolutionary advantage. It is observed in insects that display bright yellow-and-black stripes to fool attackers into believing they’re yellow jackets. In frogs that garner vibrant coloring, despite their non-toxicity, to play the part of their poisonous peers. Mimicry is even fundamental in the civilized world of humans. Babies and children imitate their parents and caregivers to learn about their world. During social interactions, we subconsciously mimic the expressions and mannerisms of those we are around. We put on masks to fit into our surroundings, changing them out depending on the context.
Bears and snakes and cats (oh my!)
Oftentimes, people wonder how I scamper off into the backcountry when there are bears and snakes and cats (oh my!). The conversations usually go along the lines of, “Aren’t you afraid of seeing a bear?” or “What if you get bitten by a rattlesnake?” Of course, these are perfectly valid concerns. Truth be told, I am more wary of the people I meet than the animals I encounter. Furthermore, I am not even all that worried about encountering animals on the trail. Cautious, yes. Aware of being in their habitat, of course. But fearful? Not so much. The way I look at it is, I am in their home. It would be absurd to think I wouldn’t have the occasional pass while exploring their habitat. And as a guest in their home, they deserve the space and respect to go about their day without hindrance from us wacky humans.
Ever since I was a little girl, I have felt a kinship with animals. I have tried to be an advocate for the unspoken, never sparing an opportunity to share a tidbit or offer a way for humans to treat their animal counterparts better. Most of the time, animals strike when they feel threatened. The best way to prevent this is to make your presence known before the chance encounter to avoid startling them and to give them ample space to escape. And if you wish to snap a photo of wildlife in action, as I did here, the zoom feature is your friend. Despite the Gopher’s non-lethal bite, there would have been no need to startle the poor thing by shoving a phone into its face. I’m sure its curiosity would quickly switch to defense had I invaded its personal space.
Happy Trails!
