Breed: Gopher(Pituophis catenifer)

Sex: Female

Date of Birth: 15/04/2005

Measurements: 

Neck – 8cm

Length (base of neck to tail): 152cm

Height (floor to shoulder): 4cm

Width (circumference of chest/torso): 8cm

Weight: 1kg

Bellatrix is an albino gopher snake; the species is so named  due to the prey they feed on in their native home.  Bellatrix has an experienced handler and is much loved in her home.  

Before her rescue and rehabilitation in 2023, Bellatrix’s new handler was told that she was a dramatic and ‘spicy’ snake; a term set aside for snakes that can be a bit defensive.  Thus, she was named Bellatrix after the famous character in the Harry Potter books and movie franchise.  However, with correct husbandry and care in her new home, it transpires that actually, Bellatrix is a happy, calm and confident snake and is more than capable of working on media productions of any type.

Gopher snakes have featured in popular culture for many years; one of the earliest films to feature them was 1936’s Desert Gold.  Because of this species’ similarity to rattlesnakes, they are often used to replicate rattlers for safety reasons on film sets, however, this similarity actually forms part of the plot on Desert Gold (no spoilers here).  They have also featured in Bronco Billy (a comedy/drama Western), sci-fi horror Nightwish, and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford featuring Brad Pitt.

Gopher snakes are a nonvenomous colubrid snake endemic to North America.  The specific Latin name, catenifer, means “chain-bearing”, referring to the dorsal pattern of chains; this is still evident in the albinos of the species, like Bellatrix.  In albinos, the dark brown shades have been replaced with orange patterns and the body colours are white-yellow in colour.  They’re really very pretty to look at.

Interestingly, the gopher snake has a unique defensive mechanism, in which it puffs up its body and curls itself into the classic strike pose of a rattlesnake.  However, rather than delivering an open-mouthed strike, the gopher snake often strikes with a closed mouth, using its blunt nose to warn off possible predators. Additionally, gopher snakes vibrate their tails in a manner similar to rattlesnakes.  This explains why they’re used frequently to replicate rattlesnakes in films and TV; they’re clearly a much safer alternative.

Bellatrix is a healthy and beautiful snake that is rather large for her species at over 5 ft in length.  She has beautiful markings which means she is suitable for close ups as well as wide angles.

This very tolerant snake enjoys being handled and is therefore capable of working with actors of all ages, though due to her size, she may be a bit much for very small child actors.  

Her strength and athleticism is rather impressive; she’s fast and agile for her size and can move toward targets.  Bellatrix has a strong relationship with her experienced handler who works with her closely to get the results required.

Bellatrix, being an albino gopher snake, has red eyes.  The dark brown shades that you would usually see on a “normal” gopher snake have been replaced with orange patterns and the body colours are white-yellow in colour.  She’s really very pretty to look at and her pastel like colouring works along any background, whether out on location or indoors in the studio.

Bellatrix can work alongside human models and be handled and held for fashion photography and more.  She’s a placid snake that loves human company and has a great relationship with her handler.

If you’re working in product placement or commercial photography, Bellatrix is happy to coil around objects as required.

Bellatrix has professional photography studio experience and copes well with a busy environment, studio lighting and equipment.  This calm and confident snake is very happy in herself and has the poise to remain calm and stay in position as required.  She’s a well handled snake that is social and happy in any filming environment.