If you are planning to explore California then you must take your time to understand that it is rich in diversity of fauna and flora. Therefore you could interact with some of the dangerous snakes during your time in California. Since most of the state features a hot climate then it means that you are likely to interact with some of the most venomous snakes on the planet.
It is critical to note that there are 45 different snake species in the state of California and you should beware of some of the venomous snakes that you will find here as well.
Here are some of the snakes that you are going to find in the state of California, both dangerous and docile.
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Western diamond-backed rattlesnake
This is one of the unique snakes that is found in California. They usually grow up to 4 feet in length. This type of rattlesnake comes in different colors such as chalky white, pink, brick red, gray and brown. The darker diamond-shaped blotches on the back coupled with white scales are some unique scales.
These snakes are characterized by broad-shaped eyes coupled with a black mask over them. The rattle on the tail alternates between white and black colored bands.
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This snake is very venomous and it is important that you stay away from these creatures because they are aggressive in nature and will defend their territory. These snakes are more popular in southern California and you will find them exploring the different habitats in the region such as the rocky hillsides, grassy plains, deserts, and river bottoms among others. You are likely to see them on the dirt road in the state.
They usually consume gophers, chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, dogs, and rats among others. They have impeccable precision and you should stay away from them because whenever they are threatened, they bite and deliver a high amount of venom via the long fangs.
Sierra Garter Snake
The Sierra garter snake is another species that you will find in the Sierra Nevada. They can grow up to 3 inches long and they come in different colors such as dark brown, olive brown, and black among others.
They usually have a white stripe that runs on their sides. The Sierra garter snakes can be found in the oak woodlands, sagebrush bushes, and coniferous forests and they usually prefer areas that are closer to water sources. Their main source of food is amphibians such as frogs, toads and tadpoles, and fish.
Western Rattlesnake
The western rattlesnake is another species that you are going to find exploring different parts of the state of California. They can grow up to 6 feet long and they have a triangular head with heat-sensing pits between their eyes. These snakes are found in different habitats around the state.
They usually come in different colors ranging from black to dark brown and they have lighter blotches on their bodies. Other related species are light gray, pale yellow, brown, or tan. These snakes occupy a wide array of geographical areas from grasslands, woodlands, and mountainous areas among other places. They can appear in close places where humans inhabit as well therefore you should be very careful.
They are usually active during the day and they are ambush creatures therefore they will wait for their prey before attacking them. They usually consume amphibians, birds, rodents, lizards, and other smaller snakes.
Terrestrial Garter Snake
The terrestrial garter snake is a unique snake that is found in different areas of California. They are known to grow up to 41 inches long and you can find them in different habitats around the state. These snakes usually come with three light orange, yellow or white stripes down their back.
The coloration of these snakes will vary – some of them will be greenish while others will be brownish. The terrestrial garter snakes are known to occupy different habitats such as forests and grasslands. You can even find them on the mountain peaks.
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They are only the garter snake that is found in California and they are impeccable at catching their prey by constricting. They are not aggressive in nature however whenever they are threatened then they are likely to attack. However, it is important to note that they have mild venom that is on their saliva and these are capable of muscle infection and killing the body tissues. The most bites usually result in swelling and when the concentration increases then it is likely to cause tissue damage.
Panamint Rattlesnake
The parament rattlesnakes are some of the species that you will find in different locations of California. These species usually come in different colors ranging from gray, off-white, yellow, tan, and brown. They have a thick body and a large triangular head with elliptical pupils.
They are very dangerous snakes and you should watch out for them during your travel to California. It is important to note that these snakes are ambush hunters and will hide and ambush their prey thereby killing them instantly.
They have a highly potent venom and it is important to understand that this venom is known to affect the central nervous system and will cause paralysis and failure of the central nervous system and eventually death when it is delivered in large quantities.
California Kingsnake
The California kingsnake is another species that you are going to find in the different areas of the state. This snake is known to grow up to 48 inches long and most of them come in brown or black colors with whitish bands that ran along their bodies.
These snakes can be found in different parts of the state including deserts, marshes, woodlands, grasslands, and even in the suburbs. Most of these snakes are usually very active during the day and therefore you will find them in different areas.
They have an incredible technique of hunting their prey and attacking them. It is important to understand that these snakes can even consume some of the most venomous snakes in the region therefore you should be very careful when exploring different areas.
They have incredible body with strong muscles that they can constrict their prey and consume them.
Mojave Rattlesnake
The Mojave rattlesnake are some of the most common species that you are going to find in the state of California and they are unique snakes that can grow up to 4 feet long. They come in different colors depending on the region. Some of the common colors that these snakes usually come with include yellow, brown, tan, grey, and green with diamond-like markings.
They are usually heavy-bodied with triangular heads and elliptical pupils with heat-sensing pits between their eyes and nostrils. In some cases, you will find that these snakes are called the Mojave green and they are found in the arid habitats around the state. They usually prefer the flatlands areas with sparse vegetation, grassy plains, mountain slopes, high deserts, and scrubland areas.
It is imperative to understand that these snakes are some of the most venomous snakes that you are going to find in California. The venom from these snakes contains hemotoxins that attack the blood and neurotoxins which are known to paralyze the central nervous system causing failure of some of the most important vital organs in the body.
It is essential to note that these snakes are ambush predators therefore they usually like to hide and camouflage before attacking their unsuspecting prey which includes snakes, toads, frogs, rodents, and lizards among others.
Speckled Rattlesnake
The speckled rattlesnakes are iconic snakes that are known to thrive in different parts of California. These snakes cannot exceed 39 inches long and they come in different colors ranging from light brown, faded, or tan and the end of the tail has white and black rings.
In addition to this, they usually have heat-sensing pits between their eyes and you will find them in a wide array of habitats ranging from the arid country, rock ledges, rocky hillsides, and the canyons. They usually have colors that allow them to adapt quickly to their natural environment.
These snakes will spend most of their daytime under rocks and burrows to avoid the heat of the day they are mostly nocturnal creatures and they consume lizards, mice, and other small snakes.
Sidewinder Snake
The sidewinder is a unique snake that you will find in the deserts of California. This species is known to grow up to 30 inches in length and they usually move in S shape. They move winding from side to side and this is very fast allowing less contact to the floor.
These snakes usually come in different colors such as pink, gray, and cream buff among others and they have smaller blotches on their side. They are some of the iconic venomous snakes that you are going to find in southern California.
They usually bury themselves in the sand to avoid high temperatures during the day. They are ambush predators as well and they usually wait and ambush the prey before attacking them and delivering a venom that will cause paralysis.
Their toxicity is very unique because it is known to affect the different parts of the prey and eventually cause the failure of the vital organs.
San Francisco Garter Snake
This garter snake is known to be unique to the San Francisco area. They usually grow up to 36 inches long. They usually come in different colors such as black, orange red, and others with black patterns among others. These snakes are shy in nature. You will find them in the open hillsides, and grassland areas.
Valley Garter Snake
These are some of the common snakes that you are going to find in different parts of the state, especially the San Fernando Valley. They can grow up to 55 inches long and they are characterized by their black to brown color with three yellow stripes that move on their body from the head down to their tail.
These snakes have red bars between the yellow stripes and this includes a yellowish belly, jaw, chin a black head. They are usually found in different habitats such as scrublands, forests, wetlands, rocky areas, shorelines, and fields among others.
It is important to note that these snakes are well-adapted to urban areas. It is imperative that when you are exploring different parts of the state then you should watch out for these snakes under the logs, rocks, and other objects that they utilize for thermoregulation.
These snakes are considered low-risk, however, they can bite whenever they are feeling threatened. Still, they are not venomous, so no cause for worry.
Red Diamond Rattlesnake
The red diamond rattlesnakes are unique snakes that you should avoid because they are venomous and can attack at any moment. They usually vary in size, however, the most common size is from 40 to 60 inches long.
These snakes are iconic because they have reddish coloration and diamond-shaped blotches that alternate with black and white bands. They have thick bodies and they have large triangular heads with heat-sensing pits between their nostrils and eyes.
These snakes usually prefer the cactus patches and chaparral areas. These creatures usually consume a wide array of species such as lizards, birds, mice, rodents as well as other snakes.
They have a high amount of venom and you should watch out for them because they can be very dangerous as they can cause the paralysis of the central nervous system which would in turn cause failure of vital organs.
