Pituophis is a genus of nonvenomous, colubrid snakes that are commonly known as gopher snakes. These snakes are native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, from deserts to forests. The term "pituophis" is derived from the Greek words "pituos," which means pine, and "ophis," which means serpent. Apart from gopher snakes, there are a few synonyms for the word "pituophis" that are used to refer to these species of snakes, including bull snakes, pine snakes, and chicken snakes. These snakes can grow up to six feet in length and are known for their ability to mimic the sound of a rattlesnake to ward off predators.