California Kingsnake

The California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) is a nonvenomous colubrid snake endemic to the western United States and northern Mexico and is found in a variety of habitats. Due to ease of care and a wide range of color variations, the California kingsnake is one of the most popular snakes in captivity. They are opportunistic feeders and common food items include rodents, birds, other reptiles, and amphibians.

The California kingsnake can grow larger; specimens on the Islas Angel de la Guarda in Baja California, Mexico, have been measured at 78 inches. They typically range in length from 2.5 to 3.5 feet (76 to 107 cm). There are many other color variants that may be seen in nature; typically, they include alternating dark and light bands that range in color from black and white to brown and cream. Some populations may have longitudinal stripes instead of bands.