CALIFORNIA SNAKES

Did you know that sunny California is also famous for its snakes? In fact, Southern California is said to be home to an estimated 33 native California snake species. Fortunately, only six of these California snakes are venomous…
There are several ways to identify California snakes. All snakes have both a scientific name and a common name. Alternatively, if you are a snake novice who isn’t familiar with the names of snakes, you can also try to identify California snakes by their appearance. California snakes come in a plethora of colors, patterns and sizes. However, keep in mind that many California snakes look alike, and while there are picture galleries to help people identify California snakes, snakes in motion often appear quite different than they do in still photographs. Indeed, when snakes are on the move their patterns and colors blend together, making them difficult to discern. Finally, another means of identifying California snakes is their geographical location or habitat.
Here are the common and scientific names of the six venomous California snakes:
1. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Hemo Toxic Venom).
2. Red Diamondback Rattlesnake (Hemo Toxic Venom).
3. Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Hemo Toxic Venom with some Nero Toxic Properties).
4. Sidewinder (Hemo Toxic Venom).
5. Mojave Green Rattlesnake (Nero Toxic Venom).
6. Speckled Rattlesnake (Hemo Toxic Venom).
7. (NEW) Mojave Green X Southern Pacific Hybrid Rattlesnake (Nero / Hemo Toxic Venom).
If you want to identify California snakes by their appearance, there are several clues that can help you out: Note the length, shape and texture of the snake’s body and head. Is the body slim, or round and thick? Is the neck set off from the head? Are the snake’s scales dull or shiny, and large or small? You should also pay attention to the snake’s color and pattern. For example, California snakes may have bands, stripes, blotches, or spots, or they can be solid in color.

The next think to consider is a snake’s geographical location. Many California snakes are found only in certain parts of the state, and most snakes have a type of habitat they prefer. Examples of habitats are grassland, wetland, water, marsh, desert, forest, mountains, and more.

The following are some of the most commonly encountered California snakes and their habitats: Gopher Snake – very common throughout California; Sharp-tailed Snake – a secretive snake found along the north and central California coast and in the Sierra Nevada foothills. These California snakes often hide in backyards or under debris; Racer Snake – a fast-moving, solid-colored snake found throughout most of the California; Coachwhip Snake – very common in the desert and desert suburbs; King Snake – popular throughout the state since it is highly variable in color and pattern; Striped Racer Snake or Whipsnake – another common snake that is often mistaken for a Garter Snake due to its stripes.

You can also pay attention to a snake’s behavior, i.e., whether it climbs, how quickly it moves, and if it makes a hissing a rattling sound.

Finally, if you are not sure what type of snake you have encountered, remain cautious! Some California snakes carry venom that can harm or kill human beings, and even non-venomous snakes can cause injury by biting. However, note that snakes typically attack only in self-defense or if irritated.

Remember: Snakes play a vital role in the food chain and they are a natural and necessary part of the environment. So take a step back, and from a safe distance you can enjoy the view of gorgeous, fascinating California snakes!