Latin Name

Lampropeltis californiae

History at CuriOdyssey

Our California King snake “Marty” hatched May 2013 Captive hatched and was acquired by San Jose State University in 2013. He was donated to CuriOdyssey in Sep 2021.

Our California King snake “Junior” does not have a recorded hatch date but was donated to San Jose State University in 2009 and was estimated to have been at least 3 years old at the time. He was donated to CuriOdyssey in Sep 2021.

Fun Facts about California King Snakes

CA kingsnakes are very tolerant to rattlesnake venom; kingsnakes in other parts of the country are also able to eat copperheads and coral snakes.

What do California King Snakes eat?

California King snakes feed largely on other snakes, but will also eat rodents, lizards, frogs, mammals, birds, and eggs.

How long do California King Snakes live?

In the Wild: 10 to 15 years.
In Captivity: 15-20 years.

Where do California King Snakes live?

California King snakes are normally associated with rocky outcrops, brushy semi-desert areas, brushy hillsides, grasslands, and pine forests. They range from Baja California north to Oregon and southern Utah, Nevada and east to western Arizona.

Are California King Snakes endangered?

They are not endangered but they are considered a U.S. Federal “Species of Special Concern,” although that may be because the Florida subspecies is in decline.