California Kingsnake

Lampropeltis californiae

A shiny banded snake of the western U.S. that eats other snakes, including rattlesnakes, and is immune to their venom.

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About the California Kingsnake

California kingsnakes have smooth, shiny scales, usually in alternating bands of black or brown and white or pale yellow, and rarely grow over 4 feet long. They live in California, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Arizona and northwestern Mexico, in almost every habitat, from rocky chaparral and pine forests to farms and suburbs. They eat rodents, lizards, frogs, salamanders, birds, eggs and other snakes.^[1]

Quick facts

Scientific name: Lampropeltis californiae^[1]
Size: Rarely over 4 feet long.^[1]
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years in the wild.^[1]
Diet: Carnivore. Rodents, lizards, frogs, salamanders, birds, eggs and snakes.^[1]
Habitat: Almost every habitat, from chaparral and forests to farms and suburbs.^[1]
Where it lives: California, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Arizona and northwestern Mexico.^[1]
Babies: 8 to 10 eggs.^[1]
Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List, assessed 2016).^[2]

Fun facts

Kingsnakes eat rattlesnakes.^[1]
They're immune to most native snake venom.^[1]
Kingsnakes are named "king" because they eat other snakes.^[1]

Vocabulary

constrictor: A snake that kills prey by wrapping around it and squeezing.
immune: Protected from the effects of something, like venom.
nonvenomous: Not able to inject poison.
active hunter: A predator that searches for prey instead of waiting.
least concern: A conservation label meaning a species is widespread and not at risk of dying out soon.

See it in person

Oakland ZooOakland, California · Animal AmbassadorsSee this animal on the zoo's website ↗

These zoos had this animal when we gathered our information, but animals sometimes move. Check the zoo's website or contact the zoo before you visit.

Sources

[1] Oakland Zoo. “California Kingsnake.” https://www.oaklandzoo.org/animals/california-kingsnake/ (accessed 2026-10-02)
[2] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. “Lampropeltis californiae (California Kingsnake).” https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/67662524/67662576 (accessed 2026-10-02)