Lampropeltis getulus
This is one of the best known and most readily identified non-venomous snakes. It is a large snake, 30 to 42 inches long, and has a stout body. It is boldly patterned in black or very dark brown with white to cream colored rings along its entire length. The head width is well defined from the neck, but it is not as pronounced as in the Gopher Snake. It vibrates its tail when annoyed. It is diurnal when temperatures permit and then crepuscular or nocturnal when temperatures climb too high. Young Kingsnakes are from 8 to 13 inches long and from 2 to 24 eggs are laid. Habitat: They are found in all habitats within the recreation area. Diet: The Kingsnake hunts the widest array of prey animals of any of our snake species. It is a constrictor and takes frogs, small turtles, birds and their eggs, lizards and their eggs, snakes (including rattlesnakes) and their eggs, and small mammals. Adaptations: Like the Gopher Snake, its lack of specialization has allowed it to adapt to a wide variety of areas.
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