CALIFORNIA SNAKES

Did you know that all snakes have more than one name? In fact, snakes have what is known as a common name, and they also have a scientific name. This giving of names is called “nomenclature.” This article will tell you about some of the common and scientific names of California snakes, and about some of the snakes’ characteristics.
Many wildlife lovers agree that the San Francisco Garter Snake is California’s most beautiful snake. Also known by its scientific name, Pituophis melanoleucus annectens, this California snake’s head is bright orange, combined with black and red stripes. Add to that the delicate turquoise color of its pale stripes and belly, and you have one dazzling serpent! But don’t let this California snake’s name fool you. The San Francisco Garter Snake is endemic to San Mateo County and does not occur in San Francisco.
Unfortunately, while it was once widespread in ponds and small marshes on the San Francisco Peninsula, urbanization and the draining and pollution of wetlands has reduced its numbers greatly. The San Francisco Garter Snake is now considered one of California’s rarest snakes, and since 1966 it has been officially designated as an “endangered” species.
The San Francisco Garter Snake ranges in size from 31.5-55.5 in (80-141 cm). When annoyed, this large species can resemble a viper: it may hiss loudly, flatten its head, vibrate its tail, and strike. Usually, however, this popular California snake is calm.
The Baja California Coachwhip is another among well-known California snakes. Also know by its scientific name, Masticophis flagellum fuliginosus, it can be found throughout the reserve and in the extreme southern edge of San Diego County.
The Baja California Coachwhip is a slender species ranging in size from 24-52 in (62-132 cm). It is commonly dark grey-brown or olive at the head, with white spotting on the sides that becomes more prominent on the neck and upper body. Its center is cream and spotted with paired black spots toward the head. Inland snakes of this type may be completely black on the dorsum. The Baja California Coachwhip moves fast and is hard to capture. When captured, however, it tends to flatten its head, lower its jaw, drool slightly, and remain limp or coil into a ball.
Not all California snakes are so tame, however. There are venomous California snakes as well! The Western Rattlesnake is the most widespread species in California, and consists of at least six sub-species, all in the genus Crotalus:
• Western C. viridis
• Western Diamondback C. atrox
• Red Diamondback C. ruber
• Sidewinder C. cerastes
• Speckled C. mitchellii (left; Gilbert Pass, Inyo Co.)
• Mojave C. scutulatus
Like other California snakes, rattlesnakes are beautiful and enthralling and come in a variety of splendid colors.
What should you do if you encounter a venomous California snake? Hikers meeting up with a rattlesnake on a trail are advised to keep their distance and let the snake make its escape. Unprovoked and left alone, rattlesnakes will usually retreat.
If you want to learn more about beautiful California snakes, here is a list of some more snakes or snake groups in California, including their common and scientific names:
Rubber Boa – Charina bottae; Ring-necked Snake – Diadophis punctatus; Gopher Snake – Pituophis catenifer; Western Patch-nosed Snake – Salvadora hexalepis; Common Kingsnake – Lampropeltis getula; Long-nosed Snake – Rhinocheilus lecontei; Coachwhip (Red Racer) – Masticophis flagellum piceus; California Red-sided Garter Snake – Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis.