California Mountain Kingsnake

California Mountain Kingsnake key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

Over 20 years in captivity

Size

76-91cm, 61-102cm depending on subspecies

Temperature

Basking surface 29-32°C / cool side 21-26°C

Humidity

40〜60%

Diet

Frozen-thawed mice; in the wild lizards, rodents and nestling birds

Temperature & Humidity

Create a gradient with a basking surface of 29-32C and a cool side of 21-26C. Aim for average humidity of 40-60 per cent, naturally a little higher on the cool side and at night. Raising humidity before a shed helps prevent retained skin. It is a montane species with cold winters in the wild, so apply a winter cooling period if you intend to breed it. It tolerates heat poorly, so watch the upper end of the range in summer.

Enclosure

A minimum enclosure of about 120 x 60 x 60 cm per adult is recommended, and larger is better. It is active and explores a great deal, so provide branches and hides on both the warm and cool sides. It is strong and an accomplished escaper, so use a front-opening enclosure that locks securely. It hides under rocks and logs by day, so place several tight ground-level hides.

Diet & Feeding

It is carnivorous and in captivity is fed appropriately sized frozen-thawed mice. Always feed it alone in the enclosure. Lizards form a large part of the wild diet, so captive-hatched young can be reluctant to take mice and may need prey to be scented.

Temperament

Kingsnakes are ophiophagous and will eat each other, so they must be kept alone. They are generally docile and easy to handle, but wash your hands after feeding so they do not mistake them for prey. Many individuals are nervous, so provide plenty of hides to let the snake settle.

Notes

The species is not listed in the CITES appendices, and it is neither a specified animal nor an invasive alien species under Japanese law. It is non-venomous and harmless to people, but escaped snakes are hard to recover, so keep the enclosure securely locked. Its red, black and white banding mimics venomous coral snakes, but the species itself is harmless. Collection is regulated in California and elsewhere, so choose captive-bred animals.

About California Mountain Kingsnake

A non-venomous colubrid from western North America, known for its striking red-black-white "triad" banding that mimics coral snakes. Best suited to experienced keepers, it can live 20+ years in captivity.

7 things to know before welcoming a California Mountain Kingsnake

1. 1Why It's for Experienced Keepers

   This species is sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity and can go off food when stressed. It tends to suit keepers with prior snake-keeping experience rather than complete beginners.

2. 2Prefers Cooler Conditions

   Reflecting its native habitat, this snake generally prefers cooler, drier conditions rather than high heat and humidity. Pay close attention to temperature in summer and provide a temperature gradient within the enclosure.

3. 3Needs Hides and Substrate

   In the wild it hides under cover and burrows, so providing hides and appropriate substrate helps it feel secure. Stress can lead to appetite loss, so a calm, well-furnished enclosure matters.

4. 4Calm but Individual Temperaments

   This snake is generally calm-natured, though individuals vary in how quickly they acclimate to handling. Let it adjust gradually rather than handling it too soon or too often.

5. 5Beauty of the Triad Pattern

   Its signature feature is the "triad" pattern of alternating red, black, and white bands. Coloration and band width vary by locality, giving keepers plenty of visual variety to choose from.

6. 6Cage Size for Adult Growth

   Adults typically reach 76-91 cm in total length (61-102 cm depending on subspecies), so plan for an enclosure sized for full growth. A cage that's too small can lead to stress and lack of exercise.

7. 7A Long-Term Commitment

   In captivity, this species can live 20 years or more. Before bringing one home, make sure you can provide consistent care for the long term.

Frequently asked questions about California Mountain Kingsnake

Q.Is this snake suitable for beginners?

A.The California mountain kingsnake is generally considered a species for experienced keepers, as it's sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. Beginners are better off starting with an easier species and building experience first.

Q.Is its temperament docile?

A.It's generally calm-natured, though individual snakes vary. Introduce handling gradually rather than trying to handle it right away.

Q.How big does it get?

A.Adults typically reach 76-91 cm in total length, though this ranges from 61-102 cm depending on the subspecies. Check the specifics of the individual you're considering.

Q.How long does it live?

A.In captivity, this species can live 20 years or more. Make sure you can commit to long-term care before bringing one home.

Q.Is it venomous?

A.No, it's a non-venomous colubrid. However, its red-black-white banding mimics the venomous coral snake, so appearance alone isn't a reliable way to judge whether a snake is venomous (this species itself is not).

Useful tools for California Mountain Kingsnake care

Learn more about California Mountain Kingsnake in the encyclopedia

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