Species of the Week

California King Snake (Lampropeltis californiae)

The title of "King Snake" is well earned. Found across virtually every corner of California and extending into Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and Mexico, this adaptable species is equally at home in forests, woodlands, chaparral, grasslands, marshes, and deserts– a true generalist in every sense! Its royal title comes from its hunting behavior. California King Snakes specialize in preying on other snakes, including rattlesnakes, with a natural immunity to their venom that makes them a fierce predator at the top of the reptile hierarchy. The species is also notable for its striking and variable appearance. While bands of black and white are the most recognized pattern, some individuals display what are known as aberrant morphs, unique stripe patterns that set them apart from any other coloration found in the species, making each sighting its own distinct encounter.