A non-venomous constrictor with bold black-and-yellow or black-and-white banding. Eats other snakes (including venomous).

Also called: California Kingsnake

Native status: Native to western US

§ Quick facts

SizeLength 90–180 cm
Weight400 g – 1.5 kg
LifespanWild 20+ years
OrderSquamata
FamilyColubridae

§ Encyclopedia

The California kingsnake is a nonvenomous colubrid snake endemic to the western United States and northern Mexico, and is found in a variety of habitats. Due to ease of care and a wide range of color variations, the California kingsnake is one of the most popular snakes in captivity.

Source: Wikipedia — California kingsnake Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Long banded snake; alternating black and white or cream bands; smooth scales.

Similar species. Other kingsnake species. Milk Snake (red bands).

Voice. Hisses; vibrates tail.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Other snakes (including venomous), rodents, lizards.

Behavior. Non-venomous constrictor. Among the few snake species that regularly preys on rattlesnakes (immune to most pit viper venoms). Highly variable coloration.

§ Range

Western US

§ Habitat

Diverse: deserts, forests, grasslands

§ Threats

Habitat loss, persecution, road mortality.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the california king snake is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Don't kill non-venomous snakes. Maintain diverse habitats.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Davidson College Department of Biology
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List 2007