Gophersnake in Santa Barbara County Southern California by Eyal Nahmias
A closeup of a Gopher Snake coiled around itself on a branch in the wilderness of Santa Ynez mountains, in Southern California
One of the most widespread snakes in North America, its range extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific, as far north as southern Canada, and as far south as Veracruz, Mexico. This species can reach five to six feet in length, and are among the more “human-friendly” species of North American snakes, mainly due to the fact that they are not venomous, hunt vermin (hence the name) and are easily raised and bred in captivity. When startled or angry, they will hiss very loud and rattle their tails. This is why they are sometimes mistaken for a rattlesnake.Habitat: Found in a wide variety of habitats, including deserts, prairies, woodlands, brushlands, coniferous forests, and even cultivated land. Gopher snakes often live in discarded or conquered gopher holes.
Featured: Creatures that Slither and Slide group, October 2009
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Consider these images as companions. :-)
Comments
Excellent close up Eyal. Very creative use of dof and compositional ‘layering’, and very sharp where it counts in that beady little eye. A beautiful smooth background with just a little bit of interest, but not enough to take away from your subject.
I love your choice of subject, snakes and reptiles, there is something totally mesmerising about them.
Thanks marion. love this comment, very constructive and informative. I like how you analyzed what you see and give your input and feedback.
– Eyal Nahmias
Fabulous capture Eyal. Great narration too.
thanks Sally, :-)
– Eyal Nahmias
great shot! I would be afraid to get this close:)
Thank you. To with there is nothing to be afraid off. This snake is harmless.
– Eyal Nahmias
Wonderful capture, Eyal! Spot-on focus! Great natural colors! Terrific shot!!
Thank you so much for the comment. I truly appreciate it.
– Eyal Nahmias
Beautiful shot! I am from Santa Ynez area (Lompoc)… I ran from these all my life! :)
Hello neighbor. There is nothing to be afraid of, or run away from them. These snakes are harmless, and quite cute. thanks for the comment.
– Eyal Nahmias
fantastic close up image of this very fine reptile. You have done it justice Eyal
Thank you chris, much appreciated.
– Eyal Nahmias
G’day Eyal,
Having had a very close encounter of the reptilian kind recently my eye was quickly drawn to this handsome Gopher Snake.
You have a very good specimen as a subject and have composed the shot very well.
Good light and exposure, good use of depth of field to create a nice bokeh, a very good focus with a clean, clear, sharp eye with a good catchlight, nice contrast and lovely natural colours.
Good work!
GB
Dennis
Thanks Dennis, I enjoyed reading about your close encounter with the Brown Snake, and you did everything right to take a pic and not disturbing it. instead of wildflower, you got some major adrenaline rush. :-) Thanks for the thoughtful and constructive comment. Much appreciated.
– Eyal Nahmias
Wow – fantastic, hope you had a zoom…
Thanks Julie, No, I had no zoom. I shot it from about 2 feet away or even closer. Since they are harmless there is no need to stay far away. :-)
– Eyal Nahmias
Super capture. Having the lower coil there for comparison is great.
Thanks Rany, Much appreciated.
– Eyal Nahmias
I know they are harmless… brothers (3 of em!!) would catch the snakes and put them in a cage that they could get out of, so I was terrified of finding them in my bed, on the VCR, under the dryer, etc (anywhere warm).
It was hard being the only girl…. ;)