Anyone ID this snake?

[Cygnus Studios]

Found this pair at the lake today. Was in a real bad spot to get good photos, but should be good enough to ID.
3 or so inches around and five to six feet long. Not sure if they were mating or what.

http://cygnus-studios.smugmug.com/photos/522630020_CaNf6-L.jpg

http://cygnus-studios.smugmug.com/photos/522628949_KWhKJ-L.jpg

[John Slone]

Gopher Snake

[Cygnus Studios]

Seemed a little small around for the gophers I see here in the area. Thanks for the ID.
I am hoping that they come out a little further so I can get some good pics.

[John Slone]

Gopher smake is just a common name, it doesn't neccesarily define their prey base. They are primarily rodent feeder their entire life, although I am sure an adult could swallow young rabbits and gophers.

http://www.reptilesofaz.com/Snakes-Subpages/h-p-catenifer.html

Cheers,

John

[D'Buggs]

I know them as Rat Snakes.... Depends on what rodent is more prolific in your area, I guess.


Looks like the mating 'dance' (actual mating). Rarely seen in person, in the wilds. Consider yourself lucky!

[Cygnus Studios]

Looks like the mating 'dance' (actual mating). Rarely seen in person, in the wilds. Consider yourself lucky!

That is kind of what I thought. They were in such a horrible spot for me to get close. They were about half way down a very steep bank leading into the river.
Thoughts of me and my D3 falling into the river were running through my mind as I tried to snap these.