May 17, 2025
California’s diverse ecosystems, from deserts and coastlines to forests and mountains, are home to some of the most visually stunning snakes. Whether you’re a herpetology enthusiast or just a curious traveller, these snakes offer glimpse into the state’s rich reptilian wildlife.
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With its cream and black or white banding, the California kingsnake is stunning and fearless. They range throughout the state, are non-toxic, and will consume other snakes, even venomous ones.
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Commonly misidentified as the rattlesnake because of its tan hue and aggressive posturing, the gopher snake is non-toxic. It has a tan-coloured body adorned with dark spots, which perfectly blends with California's dry grasslands.
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The red coachwhip is an extremely lengthy, quick snake with a lovely pink to reddish hue that darkens towards the rear. They inhabit deserts and are fast and alert. This harmless snake is shy but stunning when spotted in the wild.
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The Western Rattlesnake, as lethally venomous as it is, can't help but resist its drab demeanour, diamond pattern, and symbol rattle. From afar, this magnificent predator shows the strength and intricacy of nature within one streamlined, patterned package.
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Recognisable enough by its bright red stripes on a black or blue-scaled background, this snake is the most colourful garter snake in California. It inhabits marshes, ponds, wet meadows and is non-venomous. Its active colouration makes it particularly conspicuous in any habitat.
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This small, slender snake is named for the orange or yellow ring that appears to encircle the underside of its neck. With its slate-grey back and red-orange belly and throat colouration, the ring-necked snake occurs most frequently beneath rocks and logs at woodland or beach.
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The night snake is a delicate beauty with light grey or tan colour and dark blotches, and a characteristic dark neck stripe. It is active at night and usually lives in the desert or rocky country. Although threatening in appearance, it is weakly venomous and harmless to humans.
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With broad bands of red, black, and white, the long-nosed snake is coral-coloured but harmless. With its slender, cylindrical body and pointed snout, it can dig in sandy ground in inland deserts. This shy snake is not often seen, but its brilliant colours make it a rare beauty.
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Also referred to as the California Whipsnake, the Striped Racer is slender and swift, bearing a band of yellow stripes on its dark, thin body. A diurnal snake, it's most frequently seen racing through chaparral or coastal scrub trails.
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This slow-moving, harmless snake has pink, orange, or brown stripes on a light grey or tan-coloured body. The rosy boa inhabits rocky and desert environments and is one of the few boas found in the United States.
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