California Reptiles & Amphibians

Patterned California Snakes



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Blotched, saddled, spotted, irregularly banded, with no rattle on the tail.

Look for a picture that is similar to the snake you want to identify. Read the brief descriptions of
behavior and habitat, and if it fits your snake, click on the link to continue your search.


Gopher Snakes

One of the most commonly seen snakes in California. Active in daytime, occasionally at night. Found in most
areas of the state, including mountains, deserts, open areas, woodland, forests, frequently seen on trails and roads.




  
Leafnosed Snake

A very small snake, found at night only in the southern deserts, frequently on roads.



 
Lyre Snakes

Found at night in rocky areas in the southern deserts and south coast.
The lyre-like marking on the head distinguishes this snake.




 
Coachwhips

Found during the day in deserts and other hot open areas. A large
black area on the neck will usually help you identify this snake.



 
Glossy Snakes

Found at night in the southern deserts and in the central valley and coastal foothills.
Slow-moving, similar to gophersnakes, but the markings appear less distinct.




 
Night Snakes

Small snakes found at night or underneath objects. A black patch on the neck
and blotches that look like a double row of spots will help identify this snake.



Juvenile Western Yellow-bellied Racer

Small, fast-moving snakes, found active in the daytime, in open and grassy areas.
Resembles a small gophersnake, but with longer, thinner tail. Changes
appearance as it reaches adulthood. The belly is yellow, often bright yellow.




Sierra Gartersnake

Found mainly in and around streams and ponds in the Sierra Nevada mountains,
including the east slope leading into the Owens Valley, and near Mt. Shasta in the north.






Aberrant California Kingsnake

An unusual variation of the California Kingsnake found in the central valley, from Mendota to Davis.
There are other patterned or striped aberrant California Kingsnakes found in California, mainly along
the southern coast.




Watersnake

Recently introduced only near Sacramento. Active in daytime.
Found in or next to water, quickly diving underwater when disturbed.






 

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