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Web page produced by the
Orange County Zoological Society,
Copyright 2005.
 

 

California Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getulus californiae
 

 

Description:  White, cream or yellow crossbands on black or dark brown backgrounds.  Grows up to 6 feet long. 

Range:  Arizona, Nevada, California, Baja California. 

Habitat:  Woods, fields, pastures, meadows, near water.  Mostly ground dwellers, but will climb trees. 

Diet:  Lizards, snakes, rodents, amphibians, birds, eggs.  Kingsnakes are constrictors. 

Reproduction:  Lays 6-12 eggs.  Gestation is 60-80 days. 

General Information:       Will hiss and vibrate tail, coil and strike out when threatened.  Will discharge a foul musk which is offensive to other animals.  They are highly resistant to the venom of pit  vipers and will eat rattlesnakes.  They are capable of killing snakes larger than themselves.

 

 

 

 

 

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