California Ring Neck Snake Information

The range of ring neck snakes stretches from Canada to the United States to parts of Mexico. California ring neck snakes inhabit eastern and central states and some western ones. As their name indicates, they are also found in many areas of California. This includes Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay area, San Diego and the San Bernardino Mountains. These snakes are social, nocturnal reptiles that typically live for about ten years.

Habitat

California ring neck snakes occupy a variety of habitats including deserts, hillsides, forests, streams and grasslands. They like to hide under rocks, in logs and in loose tree bark.

Appearance

California ring neck snakes can have gray, olive, brown or black backsides with yellow, red or orange bellies. Their characteristic neck ring can appear yellow, orange or cream-colored.

Characteristics

California ring neck snakes range in size from 10 to 30 inches. Female California ring neck snakes are longer than the males.

Prey

These snakes hunt prey such as lizards, salamanders, frogs, slugs and worms. They will even consume the young of other snake species.

Reproduction

California ring neck snakes become sexually mature at three years of age They breed yearly in either the fall or spring and typically produce between three and 10 offspring.

References

• eNature.com
• University of Michigan Museum of Zoology

Resources

• CaliforniaHerps.com