California King Snake
Lampropeltis californiae
California King Snakes are not native to Britain, they are a North American snake, but remain one of the most widely kept pet snakes.
This species is non-venomous. They will strike their food and then use constriction to kill it. They will also consume prey live.
Main threats
There are no major threats.
Distribution
West coast of North America.
Preferred habitat
Grasslands
Favourite food
Small birds and rodents and other reptiles and amphibians
Description
Length: 76 - 150cm
Lifespan: up to 20 years
Family facts
The California king snake is a cathemeral species of snake, which means they could be active day or night, depending on the temperature.
When disturbed, California kingsnakes will often coil their bodies into a ball to hide their heads, hiss, and rattle their tails, which can produce a sound somewhat resembling that of a rattlesnake. When they are nervous they tend to twitch their tails.
Along with other reptiles and amphibians in winter months these snakes brumate, as a means of conserving energy and to regulate body when it is cold. During brumation, California king snakes neither eat nor excrete faeces, but they will occasionally awake to drink water.