California Kingsnake
Lampropelis californiae
King snakes are medium sized with “normal” proportions. All are constrictors; some are at least partially immune to the poison of venomous snakes.
Description: Shiny chocolate brown to black with horizontal bands of yellow. Belly may be plain white to blotched with black. About 36″ to 82” long.
Habitat: Common in open country, woodlands, chaparral.
Range: Southwestern OR south through CA into Baja CA; east to southern UT and western AZ
Food: Feeds on rodents and other snakes.
Season: Mates mid-March to June
Reproduction:
Comments: They are generally active during the day, especially early morning and at dusk. During warm summer months they tend to become nocturnal.
Photo: © Colin Barrows