Calaveras County, California

California Kingsnake

(Lampropeltis californiae)

The California kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) is native to the western United States. Known for their adaptability, California kingsnakes thrive in a variety of habitats from deserts to woodlands. The “king” in their names comes from their tendency to consume other snakes including venomous ones, though they will eat a huge variety of prey items. They also eat anything else they come across- rodents, birds, lizards, and amphibians. These are one of my favorite species to encounter.

California kingsnakes are always wonderful to run into and they’re one of my favorite species. This individual was found and photographed in my parents’ front yard. Hopefully he’s still around eating the gophers in their yard.