California Kingsnake
Lampropeltis californiae
Non-venomous – Harmless
Description: A black and white banded snake with smooth scales. Bands extend around the ventral.
Size: A large-sized snake averaging 3 to 4 feet in length.
Range and Habitat: This snake occurs through Southern Washington, Kane, and San Juan Counties. It extends northward along the Colorado River and Escalante River drainages as far north as Wayne County. It can be found in desertscrub, grasslands, arid canyonlands and footslopes, and semi-arid benchlands. It is also commonly found in riparian and agricultural areas. It is found below 6,000 feet in elevation.
Similar Species: The Utah Mountain Kingsnake, and Utah Milksnake, are banded but contain red bands in addition to the black and white bands.
The Long-nosed Snake is similar in pattern but generally contains red and has a more speckled look and a patternless ventral. It can occasionally have reduced or lack of red coloration.
The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah 