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Lampropeltis getula californiae and Hypsiglena torquata nuchalata
California kingsnakes are opportunistic feeders, feeding on almost any vertebrate they can overpower. Common food items include rodents, other reptiles, birds, and amphibians. All kingsnakes are non-venomous, but are powerful constrictors and generally kill their prey through suffocation. The "king" in their name refers to their propensity to hunt and consume other snakes, including venomous rattlesnakes. dd defensive mechanism, in which it will puff up its body and curl itself into the classic strike pose of a pit viper. However, rather than delivering an open-mouthed strike, the gopher snake is known for striking with a closed mouth, using its blunt nose to "warn-off" possible predators. Also, it will often shake its tail, confusing predators into thinking it is a rattlesnake.
Out in the field checking trail cameras, we came across a little Gopher Snake jutting out of the side of the collapsed earth. We looked at it a while then returned back to work only to hear another one of our team shout "Guys! Check this out!" A King Snake, the first I've ever seen, was trying to strangle and suck this Gopher Snake into its hole while the Gopher Snake was trying, arduously, to get himself back into the other hole. We watches this battle go on for 15 minutes then had to leave. It looked like they could've battled for hours. The KS was twice the size of the GS and is much more powerful, so I'm thinking the GS lost. But what a sight to see!
20 Comments
thanks Willie :)
Fantastic spotting, and wonderful series, Joshua
Hahaha that's awesome. Thanks for sharing :)
I only ever saw a King Snake once too, on Mt. Diablo.
Great spotting! I had a little California Mountain Boa for years as a pet. I let him stay wrapped around my wrist to keep warm and everyone thought it was a bracelet - until he lifted his head to say hello!
Yeah it was kind sad cause we were just checkin out how cool he was and next thing, he's part of the food chain. Anyway thanks Angry Bee and Scott!
Excellent spotting! Great action.
Really cool series, bit sad for the night snake but thats nature. Thanks for sharing
Thank you Phil :)
Fantastic spotting!
Ha, nice :)
I used to bring home snakes as a kid. Mom wouldn't let me keep them for too long though. I had a beautiful 4' king snake for a short while. The final straw for Mom was the small gopher snake that got loose in the house!
haha nice :) I've always wanted a snake as a pet... then again there are a lot of things I want as a pet :p
Awesome. We have a CKS as a pet. Her name is "Cali". :)
Thank you Cindy! :)
Awesome spotting!
thank you Dorothy, you're absolutely right!
Very cool pics! I think the Gopher Snake might actually be a California Nightsnake. The close up of the head shows the vertical pupils and dark neck marking.
Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha nuchalata - California Nightsnake
= Hypsiglena torquata nuchalata
Thank you S Frasier :)
Great spotting!