These are snakes found in California with a strong pattern that is blotched, saddled, spotted, or irregularly banded, with no rattle on the tail.
Rattlesnakes in California are treated separately. Some of the patterns on these snakes might be confused for banding when the blotches extend down the sides of the snake, but as defined here, bands are strongly delineated markings that circle the body or stop on the sides, whereas blotches are less well-defined and often are wider on top then become thinner on the sides, like wedges.
Only rattlesnakes in California are dangerously venomous (which is commonly but incorrectly called "poisonous".) None of the patterned snakes shown on this page have venom that is considered dangerous to humans, but the Lyresnakes do have a mild venom that is not typically mediclly significant, but can produce an unpleasant reaction, so it should be avoided.
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Gopher Snakes - Pituophis cateniferOne 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. Unfortunately, this harmless and beneficial species is very often killed out of fear that it is dangerous or that it is a rattlesnake. Take a look at some of the links and information here to help you learn how to know if a snake is a rattlesnake or a gopher snake.
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Ranges of the four forms of Gophersnakes found in California.
Click on the map for a key to the different forms.
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Lyresnakes Genus TrimorphodonFound at night in rocky areas in the southern deserts and coastal southern California. The lyre-like marking on the head distinguishes this snake. |
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Red and Orange: Ranges of the two species of Lyresnakes found in California.
Click on the map for a key to the species.
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Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake - Phyllorhynchus decurtatus
A very small snake, found at night only in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts, often seen crossing paved roads at night.
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Red: Range of the Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake in California
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Coachwhips (Racers) - Coluber (Masticophis) flagellum and Coluber (Masticophis) fuliginosus
Found during the day in deserts and other hot open areas. A large black area on the neck, often with black and white banding, will usually help you identify this snake.
Some Coachwhips may appear to have no pattern, especially when they are in motion.
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Red, Orange, and Blue: Ranges of Coachwhips in California.
Click on the map for a key to the names.
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Glossy Snakes - Arizona elegans
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.
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Red, Orange, and Purple: Ranges of Glossy Snakes in California.
Click on the map for a key to the names.
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Night Snakes - Genus Hypsiglena
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.
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Red, Orange, and Purple: Ranges of Nightsnakes in California |
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Juvenile Western Yellow-bellied Racer - Coluber constrictor mormon
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.
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Red: Range of the Western Yellow-bellied Racer in California
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Sierra Gartersnake - Thamnophis couchii
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.
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Red: Range of the Sierra Gartersnake in California
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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.
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Red: Range of the California Kingsnake in California.
Blue: Main areas where aberrant California Kingsnakes are regularly found.
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Watersnakes - Genus Nerodia
Not native California snakes with large blotches and semi-bands.
Recently introduced near Folsom, Roseville, and Harbor City, and maybe elsewhere.
Active in daytime. Found in or near water, quickly diving underwater when disturbed.
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Common Watersnake - Nerodia sipedon |
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Red dots: Locations where non-native Northern Watersnakes have been established in California
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Southern Watersnake - Nerodia fasciata |
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© Jonathan Hakim |
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Red dots: Locations where non-native Southern Watersnakes have been established in California |
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