Yes, gophersnakes and bullsnakes can make a loud, rasping sound and shake their tails to make a sound that can convince a predator that it is dealing with a rattlesnake.
A homeowner noticed his dog approach a snake on the patio, which resulted in a rattling sound. He called the dog in and gave us a call. Marissa arrived to find this large Sonoran Gophersnake cruing around in the corner, unable to climb over the smooth block wall.
These are harmless snakes of course, but they can make a big sound and sure seem convincing! This one even had an old injury, perhaps from being caught in bird netting in the past, or its last performance as a “rattlesnake” with some predator out there.
More about why we sometimes relocate harmless snakes: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/snakeblog/rattlesnake-solutions/why-relocate-harmless-snakes/
