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Thank you for all your guesses! There were actually TWO correct answers for the September 2007 mystery photo: “Gopher Snake” or “Bullsnake” (Pituophis catenifer).

Congratulations to Chris J. and Karen/Rich for guessing correctly.

Gopher Snakes are found throughout North America and are a welcome sight in many yards. The non-venomous snakes can reach up to six feet in length, and dine on all manner of rodents. Hence its most common name.

We came across this snake while touring the Nez Perce National Historical Park in Spalding, Idaho. Lucky for us it was a Gopher Snake in the grass and not the Western Rattlesnake, Idaho’s only venomous snake. Unfortunately for the me, the snake slithered quickly away before I could take a good picture.