California Snakes are various and unique , with many specie find out across various home ground in the res publica . Snakes in California range from harmless to mildly venomous . Some species are extremely grievous due to their venom , and each is adapted to different environment , from deserts to grasslands .
Whether burrowing underground or swimming in rivers , these Snake wreak vital office in the state ’s ecosystem .
Keep scan to discover 53 type of snakes that can be found in California and how to identify and distinguish them .
Venomous snake species in California
Sidewinder
The Sidewinder ( Crotalus sand viper ) , also known as the horned rattler , is a venomous pit viper find mainly in Southern California . This small to intermediate - sized snake typically grows between 17 to 30 inches . Named for its unparalleled sidewinding move , it get out classifiable “ J”-shaped tracks in the guts , an adaption for navigating arid surroundings .
Commonly seen during winter mean solar day and summer night , the Crotalus cerastes ’s doings displacement with the season to avoid extreme temperatures .
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake
The Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake ( Crotalus pyrrhus ) , also known as the faded rattlesnake , is a poisonous specie ascertain in Southern California . Typically inhabiting rocky terrain like scrub , this snake is mildly poisonous , though its bite is painful and involve hospital care with antivenom treatment .
Reaching a distance of several feet , it frequently happen refuge in the tunnel of mammals . In the summertime , it is nocturnal ; in the wintertime , it turns diurnal .
Mojave Rattlesnake
The Mojave Rattlesnake ( Crotalus scutulatus ) , also hump as the Mojave Green , is one of the most deadly rattlesnake in the humans . It typically produce between 3 to 4.5 feet and is unremarkably regain in the Mojave Desert , peculiarly in southeastern California .
This serpent is recognized by its grey - brownish organic structure and is known for its potentially fast-growing behavior toward humans . Immediate aesculapian attention is crucial following a bite , as its venom can be lethal without antivenom .
Panamint Rattlesnake
The Panamint Rattlesnake ( Crotalus stephensi ) , also known as the Owens Valley rattler , is a venomous metal money establish in California and Nevada . This medium to large snake in the grass grows between 2 to 4 feet and is recognized by its greyish coloration and triangular - shaped head . The Hydra uses the hint of its tail to farm a rattling noise as a warning .
It seldom bites human race , but medical attention with antivenom is necessary if bitten . The Panamint Rattlesnake can sense warmth , often pull back when it detects hoi polloi or big mammal .
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake ( Crotalus atrox ) , also known as the Texas rhombus - back , is one of California ’s most dangeroussnake mintage . It is characterize by a gray - brown body with distinct splodge along its dorsal side . This Hydra is responsible for the most vulgar snake bites in the region .
feed primarily on small mammals , it winter in rodent burrows . Its venom is highly life-threatening , up to of causing muscle end and national hemorrhage , which can be fatal without prompt medical aid .
Western rattlesnake
The Western Rattlesnake ( Crotalus oreganus ) , also have it away as the Pacific rattler , is a venomous pit viper find throughout California . It typically originate to just over 30 inches and adapts its coloration to blend with its surroundings .
juvenile person mainly eat insect , while adult shift to amphibious aircraft . Despite being the most grave Snake River in the region , it prefers to habituate its venom on humble fair game and usually tries to avoid homo .
Red Diamond Rattlesnake
The Red Diamond Rattlesnake ( Crotalus ruber ) , also known as the red rattlesnake , is a venomous mintage receive in Southern California , Baja California , and the Gulf of California island . It typically reach around 39 inch in duration and is signalize by its fade red coloration .
Although view the least venomous among rattlesnake , its bite is still grievous and potentially fateful , requiring prompt hospitalization and antivenom treatment for those affected .
Non-venomous snake species in California
Ringneck snake
The Ringneck snake ( Diadophis punctatus ) , also known as the band - necked snake , is a small , non - venomous species characterized by its bicoloured appearing . The dorsal side is green olive , while the underbelly is a bright orange or red .
Typically measure between 10 and 15 inches in distance , these snakes are unremarkably find in ground habitats where slugs and salamanders are abundant .
Ringneck snakes use constriction to subdue prey and may employ a small amount of spitefulness as an additional method acting to immobilize smaller prey , despite not feature a consecrate venom secreter .
Desert nightsnake
The Desert nightsnake ( Hypsiglena chlorophaea ) is a non - venomous species characterized by its shiny undersurface and mottle gray and browned dorsal coloring . favor California ’s chaparral , rough terrain , and grassland , it can also be detect in woodlands elsewhere . These ophidian grow to over 15 inches , with some attain up to 26 inch in food - abundant areas .
They principally feed in on diminished amphibians . Although gently venomous , their maliciousness is used to subdue quarry rather than for defense . Due to their coloration , Desert nightsnakes are sometimes false for rattlesnakes .
Coast night snake
The Coast dark snake ( Hypsiglena ochrorhynchus ) is a non - venomous , nocturnal mintage usually found in Western California . recognisable by its tan eubstance with brown splodge , it is typically detect in rocky terrain .
This elusive snake in the grass is most active at night , making it a uncommon peck during the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . Its diet includes both amphibians and insects . ripe Coast Nox snakes can get up to 26 inches in length and are oftentimes encountered around the Central Valley .
California kingsnake
The California kingsnake ( Lampropeltis californiae ) is a usual and non - venomous species in California , recognized by its dark and white banded body . This sinewy constrictor can get up to 3.5 feet in length . It utilize its bottleneck to subdue prey , including reptiles , birds , and other adolescent snakes .
Notably , California king snake are known to feed on othersnake speciesand can even dissent the spitefulness of rattler . to boot , they mimic rattlesnakes by joggle their tails to produce a like rattling sound as a defensive strategy .
Coast mountain kingsnake
The Coast mountain kingsnake ( Lampropeltis multifasciata ) is a non - virulent coinage distinguished by its outstanding black , blood-red , and clean round banding . Adaptable to diurnal , nocturnal , or crepuscular activity , it adjusts its behavior based on temperature .
During summer , it becomes more closelipped and nocturnal , while in fall , it becomes diurnal and eventually goes into hiding starting in November . Preferring pocket-size mammals , birds , and bird testicle , this coinage can turn up to 33 inches long and is commonly found in the northern parts of California .
California mountain kingsnake
The California mountain kingsnake ( Lampropeltis zonata ) is a non - venomous species institute in mountainous regions . It is easily recognizable by its red trunk with typical white crossbands bordered by ignominious crossbands .
While similar to the California kingsnake , this species is endemic to North America , with its home ground stretch out southward into Baja California .
Coachwhip
The Coachwhip ( Masticophis scourge ) , also screw as the whip snake , is a non - vicious metal money commonly found in California . These diurnal Hydra are frequently get a line in grassland , oil fields , farms , and forest . celebrated for their magnanimous eye and thin heads , Coachwhips are fast-growing and dissipated , up to of farm up to 50 inches .
Although they are not virulent , their bites are quick and painful , often turn in without warning . ocotillo can arrive at speeds of up to 4 miles per hour , enabling them to make a fleet escape after bite .
Baja California coachwhip
The Baja California ocotillo ( Masticophis fuliginosus ) is a non - venomous snake renowned for its almost all - dark body , though it can also come out in grey and blotched hoar variations . preponderantly discover in Baja California , this species multiply in northern Baja California and also hazard into grasslands in California .
Adapted to diurnal living , the Baja California coachwhip is often see basking on roads during the mean solar day . Its wide-ranging dieting include minuscule mammals , lizard , squash racket , and other small Snake .
California striped whipsnake
The California striped whip-snake ( Masticophis lateralis ) , also acknowledge as the California whipsnake or striped racer , is a non - venomous species found throughout California . It inhabit a orbit of surround , including deserts , coastal areas , and chaparral .
This snake is well identified by its olive - dark-green body with sick yellow stripes running from head to tail . It is commonly seen in open outer space and varied terrains , such as chaparral , where it moves swiftly in hunt of target .
Striped whipsnake
The Striped whip snake ( Masticophis taeniatus ) is a non - venomous species easily recognized by its burnished stripes running along its body . Found primarily in Northern California , it inhabits grassland and forest .
Although non - poisonous and loosely not unsafe to humans , the Striped whip snake is known for its stop number and tend to flee rather than face masses . It is one of the fastest snake species in California .
Banded water snake
The Bandedwater snake(Nerodia fasciata ) , also known as the southerly water Snake River , is a non - venomous aquatic specie . It can be identified by its coloured green , grey , or orangish consistency with distinctive stripes . Growing up to 42 inches in length , this serpent is typically ground in lake and pond , rarely drift far from weewee seed .
Its habitat overlap with other snake species , such as the venomous cottonmouth , often leads to confusion . Banded water snake are also expanding their range and can be obtain on the fringe of Los Angeles .
Western leaf-nosed snake
The Western leaf - nosed snake ( Phyllorhynchus decurtatus ) is a non - venomous species characterized by its gray body adorned with dark blotches , though variations in tan and pinkish are also assure . This nocturnal snake , once considered rare , is highly fighting at Nox , often found on paved roads in desert areas after sunset .
Its diet mainly consists of small lizards and lounge lizard eggs . The westerly leafage - nosed snake is found in the southern portion of California and extends into Baja California .
Gopher snake
The Gopher snake ( Pituophis catenifer ) , also known as the Pacific , coast , or westerly gopher snake , is a non - venomous mintage that can grow between 2.5 and 9 foot in distance . Highly versatile , it is capable of traveling on the ground , swim , and mounting trees . Using constriction to subdue fair game , Gopher snakes principally feed on pocket gophers , rodents , rabbits , and chick .
Although they sibilate loudly and may play dead by lying still to look exanimate , they are not dangerous to people . Gopher snakes are especially active in the springtime as males search for mates .
Northern Rubber Boa
The Northern Rubber Boa ( Charina bottae ) is a non - poisonous Snake River characterize by its plain brown coloration . This nocturnal species is often hidden during the day and is typically found in coolheaded , shaded environments such as under rock ‘n’ roll or logs or in rodent burrow .
It may show signs of previous clash with rodents , such as bite marks . The Northern Rubber Boa is known for its secretive nature , making it challenging to blot in the state of nature .
Southern Rubber Boa
The Southern Rubber Boa ( Charina umbratica ) is a non - venomous snake with a consistent people of colour , ranging from illumination to dingy brown . It dwell hardwood forests and demonstrates telling lightsomeness , moving quickly on the ground , mounting , and swimming . This snake in the first place feed on humble mammalian , lizards , and occasionally small dame .
While mostly avoiding humans , it may display defensive behavior , such as raising its hindquarters to mime a smasher . The Southern Rubber Boa is on occasion fighting during the daylight , especially from April to June during its union season , but often hides under large physical object like logs and rock and roll .
Coastal Rosy Boa
The Coastal Rosy Boa ( Lichanura orcutti ) is a non - virulent snake and a penis of the Rosy Boa genus . Although it is sometimes referred to separately from the Desert Rosy Boa , both race are now classified under the same Rosy Boa mintage .
Coastal Rosy Boas are characterize by their distinctive coloration and patterns , which contribute to their attractive appearance . They are ordinarily found along the coast and have accommodate to their specific geographic regions within the Rosy Boa mintage .
Rosy boa
The Rosy Boa ( Lichanura trivirgata ) , also have sex as the desert rosy boa , is a non - venomous species native to the U.S. It can acquire up to 44 inches in distance and is named for its rose - salmon colour , which varies bet on its environs .
Found in Southern California and Baja California , the Rosy Boa is know for its docile nature and allows for good handling . When threatened , it may release a foul odor as a defense mechanics .
Glossy snake
The Glossy Snake ( Arizona elegans ) , also know as the faded ophidian , is a non - venomous species find in California ’s chaparral area . This nocturnal snake prefer to stay on hidden under sway and is rarely figure .
Glossy Snakes mainly feed on rodents at night but may come out during the day in search of prey . Their secretive behaviour and tendency to remain secret in rodent tunnel bring to their sensing as a less common mintage .
Western shovelnose snake
The westerly shovelnose Hydra ( Chionactis occipitalis ) is a small , non - venomous snake in the grass , typically valuate between 11 and 17 inches in length . It is characterized by clear-cut brownish bands across its torso . This metal money is undivided to Southern California ’s desert regions , avoiding Northern California altogether .
Found in sandy areas , dunes , and rocky terrain with minimum vegetation , the Western shovelnose primarily feeds on worm rather than mammals . Its unique appearance and habitat preferences make it relatively well-heeled to discover in its natural surroundings .
Eastern racer
The Eastern race car ( Coluber constrictor ) is a non - venomous , tight - impress snake live for its wide-ranging coloration . While bleak racers are common , California also hosts rarer variants in subtlety of brown with or without blue tinge .
These snakes are ofttimes determine in tall grass , where they lift their head teacher above the grass to survey their milieu . Despite the name , Eastern racers are not constrictors ; instead of suffocate prey , they apply their bodies to pin it down and prevent escape .
Forest sharp-tailed snake
The Forest acutely - give chase Hydra ( Contia longicaudae ) is a non - virulent metal money constitute in California ’s forest . It features a distinct sullen gray head with olive undertones , while its body is typically brown or black with a luminance underbelly butt in black scales .
This small , secretive serpent is often hide during the day and may egress after rain to hunt . Known for its sharp tooth , the Forest sharp - trail snake effectively grasps slippy quarry , such as stove poker , making it well - adapted to its environment .
Sharp-tailed snake
The Sharp - tailed snake ( Contia tenuis ) , also get laid by several common name such as the Brown snake and Pacific ground snake , is a pocket-size , non - venomous species find in urban areas across California . develop between 12 and 18 column inch in length , it is distinguished by its sharp tail and banded body coloring . A tunnel species , it thrives in soft soil , where it searches for slug .
Typically find in garden and parks , the Sharp - go after ophidian debar open space and is often watch where large stones or log have been remove .
Long-nosed snake
The Long - nosed Snake River ( Rhinocheilus lecontei ) is a non - virulent specie often mistaken for coral snake due to its scarlet and black coloration and up - facing beak . This nocturnal Snake River is rarely discover during the day and prefers to stick in shaded grasslands .
Like many other California snakes , it chiefly give on amphibians . To protect itself from predators , include tumid snake , the Long - nosed snake can release a foul odor and even blood to mimic death while remain motionless . It is most commonly observed in late spring and early summertime during mating time of year .
Western patch-nosed snake
The westerly patch - nosed snake ( Salvadora hexalepis ) is a non - virulent , small snake in the grass commonly recover in desert scrubs . As a diurnal metal money , it actively chases a miscellany of small prey , including mammal , lizards , grasshoppers , and even the testicle of other snakes .
Characterized by its distinctive magnanimous rostral scurf on the nose and stripy body , this snake is mostly docile and not dangerous to humans . Its tranquil demeanor makes it a suitable candidate for a pet snake .
California lyresnake
The California lyresnake ( Trimorphodon lyrophanes ) is a species endemic to California , tell apart by its small to intermediate - sized body that can grow up to 47 inches and its erect school-age child resembling those of cats . The serpent ’s body is typically grey and brown .
gently venomous , the California lyresnake ’s bite can be lethal to little animal but is not deadly to man . However , its bite is quite irritating , particularly when the Snake River manages to latch on , allowing more saliva to be introduced through its strong fangs .
This nocturnal species is combat-ready during both good weather and heavy rainfall , often hunting lizards immediately after the rain stops . Mating take place in the spring , with females laying clusters of up to 10 egg at the starting time of summer .
Western threadsnake
The Western threadsnake ( Rena humilis ) , also known as the Western blind Snake River or Western slender unreasoning snake in the grass , is a burrowing species usually establish in California . These baffling Snake are rarely take care above priming coat due to their underground lifestyle .
Resembling nightcrawler , Western threadsnakes are characterized by their slender , pinkish bodies and full-bodied , low head , which are adapt for digging . Despite their infrequency at ground level , they are far-flung beneath the airfoil , sometimes burrowing as inscrutable as 66 feet .
These snakes are unreasoning , an evolutionary version to their subterranean existence . Their diet mainly consists of small insects , particularly emmet , which they often consume by invading ant nests .
Brahminy blind snake
The Brahminy blind snake ( Indotyphlops braminus ) , also bed as the flowerpot Hydra , is a little , fossorial mintage often mistake for an crawler due to its slender , scale - covered dead body . These snake miss visual modality and live underground , flourish in humid environments like farms and suburban areas .
unambiguously , the Brahminy unreasoning snake multiply through parthenogenesis , meaning all individuals are distaff and can procreate without mating , bring out genetically identical offspring .
Their diet lie mainly of ants and termite , and they can temporarily inhabit ant nest to feed . They are unremarkably see under logs and rocks where wet is abundant .
Western ground snake
The Western earth snake ( Sonora semiannulata ) , also known as the vulgar or varying ground snake in the grass , is a non - venomous species that populate lax , bumpy land . Typicallyorange with grim stripes , this snake can exhibit various colour due to inbreeding .
Preferring to delay out of sight underground , it emerges to fee on a range of insect and invertebrates , including spiders , crickets , and centipede . female lay egg , which they do through the summertime shortly after mating , as they do not carry live vernal .
Southwestern blackhead snake
The Southwestern blackhead Snake River ( Tantilla hobartsmithi ) , also know as Smith ’s blackhead snake , is a non - venomous species native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico . This small serpent typically rise to around 8 in in distance and is severalize by its brown colour and small size . It primarily flow on a variety of insects , favoring softer ones that are prosperous to consume .
While not dangerous to humans due to its mild venom , the Southwestern blackhead snake ’s saliva can paralyse small dirt ball . It is commonly found in loose soil within grassland , woodlands , and deserts .
Western black-headed snake
The westerly black - headed snake ( Tantilla planiceps ) , also know as the California black - headed snake , is a non - venomous species recognized by its black head with a whitened collar and brown body . This small snake in the grass typically grows to a maximum length of 15 column inch .
It is know for its secretive nature , spending most of its life underground . The westerly disgraceful - headed snake is found in woodland and deserts , often in removed , high - moisture areas within arid terrains .
Aquatic garter snake
The Aquaticgarter snake(Thamnophis atratus ) is a non - venomous coinage well - adapted to an aquatic lifestyle . Characterized by its green consistency with foresightful yellowed stripe prevail from head to tail , this colouration aids in camo within marshes and bushland .
The Aquatic garter snake can swim beneath the control surface and click its lingua , create the illusion of fly ball to deceive some quarry . This in effect camouflage aid it remain undetected while hunting .
Sierra garter snake
The Sierra garter snake ( Thamnophis couchii ) , also known as Couch ’s supporter Snake River or the Western aquatic supporter snake , is a non - poisonous species with a high-pitched adaptability to its environs .
Active nearly yr - round , it is commonly find in or near river , where it can swim at the bottom in search of fish . Besides Pisces , this Hydra also consumes amphibians witness near rivers and streams .
Although it was once believed to be poisonous , the toxins present are from the salamander it preys on and can remain in the serpent ’s arrangement for up to a few calendar week .
Terrestrial garter snake
The sublunary supporter snake ( Thamnophis elegans ) , also get laid as the westerly terrene garter snake , is a non - venomous species that can grow up to 41 column inch in length . Characterized by its colorful appearing , this snake often features long white stripe along its body .
As a constrictor , it apply its ability to squeeze prey to subdue terrestrial animate being , such as rodents . This makes it one of the few garter ophidian that regularly employ constriction as a maneuver to overwhelm its prey .
Giant garter snake
The Giant garter ophidian ( Thamnophis gigas ) is a non - venomous coinage distinguished by its dark-green - Olea europaea , brown , or contraband coloration , with a contrastingwhite or yellowdorsal band and a bright underbelly . As a primarily aquatic snake , it employ vegetation near urine sources for concealment and may use animal burrows to cool off during hot summertime days .
Its dieting reflect its semi - aquatic nature , admit Pisces the Fishes , frog , and pollywog . name for its large size , the Giant supporter snake can grow between 35 and 65 inch , making it one of the largest snake species in California .
Two-striped garter snake
The Two - divest garter snake ( Thamnophis hammondii ) is a non - venomous species named for the stripes that run along its consistency , though some individuals may have no stripes at all . Its unripened coloration render effective camouflage in semi - lasting piddle source , helping it continue hidden from predators and prey .
This snake is known for its diet of amphibians and fish . It is commonly found in central California and extend south into Baja California .
Checkered garter snake
The chequered supporter snake ( Thamnophis marcianus ) is a non - venomous species recognized by its green body with a distinctive checker board pattern . Although gently poisonous , this maliciousness is in the first place effective against small Pisces the Fishes and fishing worm rather than human beings .
The species can brook anuran and prefers live in grasslands near water author . This home ground put up ample opportunities for the snake in the grass to trace amphibians , which make up a substantial share of its diet , over rodents .
Northwestern garter snake
The Northwestern garter snake ( Thamnophis ordinoides ) is a non - vicious species key out by its chocolate-brown , green , or greyish coloring . These snakes can live up to 15 years and are broadly speaking nongregarious , using pheromone to appeal mate during the breeding season . Although they are primarily terrestrial and diurnal , they are known to debar human fundamental interaction by quickly draw back into vegetation .
This species has a wide-ranging diet , principally feeding on bullet but also consuming fish , toads , and even toxic salamanders when necessary . The northwesterly supporter snake is most commonly found in the far northern regions of California and Oregon .
Common garter snake
The usual supporter snake ( Thamnophis sirtalis ) is a non - vicious coinage typically identify by its three long stripes , which can appear in various colors . Growing up to 55 inches , these snakes can live up to 10 year in the state of nature .
Common supporter snakes are solitary and in the main interact with others of their species during the mating season . As effective predators , they in the main feed on small fish and amphibians , including toads . Notably , the unwashed supporter snake in the grass is immune to the toxin found in toads , which would be deadly to many other predators .
This species also faces natural threat from predators such as Corvus and mortarboard .
Sonoran lyre snake
The Sonoran lyre snake ( Trimorphodon lambda ) is a gently venomous species retrieve in California . While its malice is not considered serious to human beings , these snakes should still be approach with precaution as their bite can do pain and rubor .
This nocturnal species is elusive , becoming even more tightlipped during sexual union . They in the first place feed on lizards and can raise to over 40 in depending on their habitat .
identify by their brown or hoar bodies , Sonoran lyre snakes use defensive mimicry to protect themselves from predatory animal . They vibrate their tails like rattlesnakes and may speedily erect their heads to light upon if threatened .
