{"product_id":"san-diego-gopher-snake-snow","title":"San Diego Gopher Snake (Snow)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"203\" data-end=\"238\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"203\" data-end=\"236\"\u003eSan Diego Gopher Snake (Snow)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"240\" data-end=\"336\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"240\" data-end=\"260\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"261\" data-end=\"292\"\u003ePituophis catenifer annectens\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"292\" data-end=\"295\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"295\" data-end=\"311\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e San Diego Gopher Snake\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"338\" data-end=\"341\"\u0026gt;\n\u003cp data-start=\"343\" data-end=\"365\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"343\" data-end=\"363\"\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"367\" data-end=\"646\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"367\" data-end=\"376\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adult San Diego Gopher Snakes typically reach 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) in length; in rare cases, they may approach 7 feet (2.1 m). They are medium-to-large constrictors with a lean yet muscular build, keeled scales, and a pointed snout designed for digging and burrowing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"648\" data-end=\"1314\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"648\" data-end=\"663\"\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Snow San Diego Gopher Snake is a visually stunning double-recessive morph that combines the Albino and Axanthic genes. The Albino gene removes dark pigmentation, while Axanthic removes all warm pigments, resulting in a clean, pure white or soft ivory snake with pink eyes and faint silver undertones. Hatchlings often appear brilliant white, gradually developing a delicate frost-like sheen as they mature. The Snow morph eliminates the typical desert yellows and browns of the San Diego Gopher Snake, replacing them with a ghostly, pristine appearance. It remains one of the rarest and most visually striking morphs in the \u003cem data-start=\"1292\" data-end=\"1303\"\u003ePituophis\u003c\/em\u003e complex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1316\" data-end=\"1527\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1316\" data-end=\"1333\"\u003eDistribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Native to Southern California, primarily within San Diego, Riverside, Orange, and southwestern San Bernardino counties. This subspecies inhabits dry chaparral, open scrub, and desert margins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1529\" data-end=\"1872\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1529\" data-end=\"1541\"\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e In the wild, San Diego Gopher Snakes occupy arid regions with sandy or rocky soil, where they use burrows for protection from heat and predators. In captivity, the Snow morph thrives in a spacious, terrestrial enclosure with loose, dry substrate for burrowing and bright lighting that allows their pale colouration to stand out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1874\" data-end=\"2230\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1874\" data-end=\"1888\"\u003eBehaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e San Diego Gopher Snakes are intelligent, diurnal constrictors that exhibit high activity levels and strong feeding instincts. While defensive posturing is common in the wild, captive-bred individuals are calm, alert, and interactive when handled regularly. Their curious and engaging nature makes them rewarding snakes to keep and observe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"2232\" data-end=\"2235\"\u0026gt;\n\u003cp data-start=\"2237\" data-end=\"2255\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2237\" data-end=\"2253\"\u003eCaptive Care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2257\" data-end=\"2576\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2257\" data-end=\"2271\"\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide an enclosure measuring at least 4 feet × 2 feet × 2 feet for adults, with secure ventilation and locking lids. Use dry, loose substrate such as aspen, sand-soil blend, or coconut chip mix to allow for burrowing. Include multiple hides, basking platforms, and climbing structures for enrichment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2578\" data-end=\"2822\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2578\" data-end=\"2605\"\u003eTemperature \u0026amp; Humidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintain a daytime gradient of 78–86°F (25–30°C) with a basking area near 90°F (32°C). Allow nighttime drops to 68–72°F (20–22°C). Keep humidity low to moderate, between 30–45%, increasing slightly during shedding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2824\" data-end=\"3020\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2824\" data-end=\"2833\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer thawed rodents proportional to the snake’s girth—juveniles every 5–7 days and adults every 10–14 days. San Diego Gopher Snakes are strong feeders with reliable feeding responses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3022\" data-end=\"3233\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3022\" data-end=\"3049\"\u003eBehaviour in Captivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Active and inquisitive, Snow San Diego Gopher Snakes are engaging display animals that thrive on environmental stimulation. They quickly adapt to handling and regular care routines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3235\" data-end=\"3468\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3235\" data-end=\"3262\"\u003eSpecial Considerations:\u003c\/strong\u003e As a large and powerful colubrid, this species requires secure, escape-proof enclosures. The Snow morph’s pale coloration makes it sensitive to overly bright light—provide shaded areas to prevent stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3470\" data-end=\"3473\"\u0026gt;\n\u003cp data-start=\"3475\" data-end=\"3494\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3475\" data-end=\"3492\"\u003eGenetics Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3496\" data-end=\"3622\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3496\" data-end=\"3519\"\u003eAlbino (Recessive):\u003c\/strong\u003e Removes black pigmentation, revealing bright yellows, reds, and oranges when expressed individually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3624\" data-end=\"3727\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3624\" data-end=\"3649\"\u003eAxanthic (Recessive):\u003c\/strong\u003e Removes warm pigments such as yellow and red, leaving only grayscale tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3729\" data-end=\"3888\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3729\" data-end=\"3769\"\u003eSnow (Double Recessive Combination):\u003c\/strong\u003e The combination of Albino and Axanthic results in a pure white or ivory snake with pink eyes and faint silver tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3890\" data-end=\"3893\"\u0026gt;\n\u003cp data-start=\"3895\" data-end=\"3928\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3895\" data-end=\"3926\"\u003eGenetic Combination Summary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3930\" data-end=\"3997\"\u003eThe San Diego Gopher Snake (Snow) expresses two recessive traits:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3999\" data-end=\"4166\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3999\" data-end=\"4080\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4001\" data-end=\"4080\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4001\" data-end=\"4024\"\u003eAlbino (Recessive):\u003c\/strong\u003e Eliminates dark pigmentation for a bright, warm base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4081\" data-end=\"4166\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4083\" data-end=\"4166\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4083\" data-end=\"4108\"\u003eAxanthic (Recessive):\u003c\/strong\u003e Removes warm pigments, producing a cool grayscale tone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4168\" data-end=\"4539\"\u003eTogether, these genes create the Snow morph—a white, pink-eyed snake with subtle silvery accents and unmatched visual purity. Highly sought after by collectors and breeders, the Snow San Diego Gopher Snake combines the beauty of contrast-free simplicity with the bold structure of the \u003cem data-start=\"4453\" data-end=\"4464\"\u003ePituophis\u003c\/em\u003e genus, making it one of the most elegant and desirable morphs available.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tails and Scales","offers":[{"title":"Male","offer_id":56196281532738,"sku":"eob1789652271752","price":129.93,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Female","offer_id":56196281565506,"sku":"wvd1789652271753","price":120.78,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1010\/8380\/8066\/files\/san-diego-gopher-snake-snow_1.jpg?v=1789652276","url":"https:\/\/abrasionresistclad.shop\/products\/san-diego-gopher-snake-snow","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}