California King Snake Facts
The California king snake is a member of the family Colubridae, the largest classification of snakes which encompasses almost two-thirds of all species. An exceptionally adaptable reptile, it is found in many of the western states of the U.S. as well as in northern Mexico. It is non-venomous and poses little risk to humans.
Other People Are Reading
-
Appearance
-
California king snakes, on average, reach a length of 4 feet when mature. They are noted for their distinctive striped markings. Usually this is a background color of black with several horizontal bands of white or a single white stripe running down the center of their back. Their scales are not keeled (meaning that each scale does not have a ridge down its center) so king snakes appear smooth and glossy. Their heads are wider than their bodies and their eyes appear to bulge. Different coloration has been noted in snakes in different environments, with coastal-dwelling snakes often having more muted coloration, predominantly brown with yellow stripes. In captivity, interbreeding and hybridization have produced California king snakes in a wide variety of colors.
Diet
-
In the wild the California king snake is liable to prey upon anything smaller than itself. In addition to lizards and small turtles, it will eat birds, frogs and rodents such as mice and rats. It will also consume the eggs of reptiles and birds. The California king snake is equipped with an enzyme that can help it assimilate the venom of other snakes, so it will regularly hunt venomous snakes, particularly rattlesnakes. Without venom itself, the California king snake is a constrictor, coiling its body around its prey and suffocating it.
-
Distribution
-
California king snakes are found throughout almost the entirety of California and Arizona, excluding the higher mountain locations. Southern parts of Oregon, Utah and Nevada also have significant populations, as does northwestern New Mexico and southwestern Colorado. California king snakes are also resident in northern areas of Mexico.
Habitat
-
Capable of thriving in a variety of environments, California king snakes are found in coastal scrub land, high deserts, wetlands, forests and the foothills of mountains. They are often found on ranches and arable farmland. They are also known to inhabit suburban areas where there is some brush for cover. They can sometimes be found resting in piles of refuse.
California King Snakes as Pets
-
California king snakes are a very adaptable species and so can make very good pets. You will need a decent-sized enclosure (a minimum tank for an adult would be 20 gallons) with an average temperature of over 75 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as basking areas at around 10 degrees warmer than that. You must also provide your snake with hiding places, such as hollow logs, a fresh water source and appropriate food. An adult king snake should be given, on average, one large mouse each week. These can be bought frozen at specialist pet stores. The California king snake can be handled, although handling should be kept to a minimum as it is liable to stress the animal.
-
References
- Photo Credit serpent noir ombre image by Unclesam from Fotolia.com
