gopher predators?

[Immortal_sin]

Does anyone know how to get rid of gophers, using our native Oregon snakes? In other words, do gopher snakes occur in Northwestern Oregon? We have an abundance of garter snakes, but they are too small, and I think they only prey on smaller things like mice, voles, and frogs.
We have been invaded by a veritable army of gophers, out to destroy our entire property...help!

 

[skinheaddave]

According to my Peterson's field guide, the answer is yes. That being said, the prospect of releasing snakes into the wild is one fraught with danger. You need to consider genetic polution, parasite loads, ecosystem stability etc. Plus, wouldn't something like a reticulated python be able to eat more gophers?

Cheers,
Dave

 

[Immortal_sin]

LOL Dave....we don't want our dogs eaten as well
So, you are saying to capture a snake, and bring it home would be a not good idea? Even if they naturally occur around these parts?

 

[Lasiodora]

Holly the snake will most likely not stay. They have territories like many animals do. It takes a lot more than the presence of prey items to entice a snake to establish itself in an area. Suitable habitat plus the chances of finding mates play a big role. I would stay away from relocating snakes unless it is part of a long study to reestablish the snakes in a certain area.
Mike

 

[Immortal_sin]

thanks Mike, that answers my question...I guess if we do not already have them here, they are not interested in being here

 

[Valael]

Time to get out the .22, or better if you have one.

 

[Immortal_sin]

I can't count the times Mark has been out there with a firearm, waiting for one to pop out of the holes....but they are disturbingly invisible! We get a new mound almost everyday, but we never see the culprits...
We've ran water for hours as well, it's just suceeded in raising our water bill.

 

[Phillip]

While gopher snakes can indeed eat small gophers they don't reach a size to take a fullgrown one. Length wise they could but they lack the girdth.

Phil

 

[Immortal_sin]

yes, I guess we'll have to find another solution then....before I break my ankle walking around in the back yard.....

 

[FryLock]

According to my Peterson's field guide, the answer is yes. That being said, the prospect of releasing snakes into the wild is one fraught with danger. You need to consider genetic polution, parasite loads, ecosystem stability etc. Plus, wouldn't something like a reticulated python be able to eat more gophers?

Cheers,
Dave

Id go with the retic get one of the dwarfs then you can feed it for free that said im pretty sure my 6' STP's could eat gophers treat your self to a living draft excluder

 

[Wade]

I was at a Chuck E Cheeze once where they apparently had such a bad gopher problem they employed little kids to wack them with mallets.

Wade

 

[Silver.x]

Then there is the gophers oldest foe... the lawnmower.

Aidan

 

[Immortal_sin]

oh, keep it up you guys! Anyone have a PRACTICAL solution?! I'm expecting a home invasion ala' Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds' any day now!

 

[Tony]

Well far be it for me to suggest something inhumane, but would exhaust fumes work?

T

 

[Immortal_sin]

Well far be it for me to suggest something inhumane, but would exhaust fumes work?

T

I don't see why not....they sure work on humans
I'll check with Mark and see what he thinks. I'm assuming it will either drive them up and out of the holes, or it will just put them to sleep...forever.

 

[Jay]

My uncle used to ride around on the three wheeler and plink them with a 22. Ah, the good ol' days.

If you're going to try the exhaust method, make sure to block off all the other holes.

 

[sansoucie]

My dog catches all of the gophers and moles out here. A jack Russell....


BUT we had our roof replaced and the guy that did it was amazed at the speed and ease the dog caught and killed them, then recounted this : His dad used to poor gas in the holes and catch them on fire with a match. I dunno if this is true, but it seems like it would work, although kinda inhumane

 

[skinheaddave]

Gasoline will actually work without the match. The fumes will drive pretty much anything out of a hole. Not recommending it, necessarily, just making sure you know your options.

Cheers,
Dave