California King Snake Diet

Snake eating prey it has caught.

The California king snake, also known by its scientific name Lampropeltis getulus Californiae, is native to California, Arizona, Baja, Oregon, southern Utah and Nevada. They can live up to 15 years, some living well over 20 years.

Lizards and Birds

California king snakes feed on various lizards and birds such as quail that live in the brush that the snake uses as its main hunting ground.

Eggs

The California king snake eats eggs it finds from raiding bird, turtle or other reptile nests.

Zoo Diet

California king snakes kept in zoos are fed a diet of baby chicks, mice and pinkies (a newborn mouse) once a week throughout their captive life.

Frogs and Turtles

The California king snake will hunt turtles and frogs found in the wetlands of its natural habitat.

Small Mammals

The California king snake eats small mammals such as mice, rabbits, rats and anything it can get a hold of in its natural habitat.

Snakes

The California King snake eats other snakes, venomous and non-venomous. They produce and enzyme that helps to breakdown the poison in snakes such as water moccasins, rattle snakes, coral snakes, and copperhead snakes.

References

• National Zoo: King Snake
• VMS Professional Herpetoculture: California King Snake
• LLLReptile & Supply: California King Snake
• Kalamazoo Reptile Show: California King Snake