San Diego's Snakes

A venomous pit viper native to southern California and parts of Baja California. It has a thick body, a triangular head, and a distinctive rattle at the end of its tail.

A venomous pit viper native to southern California and parts of Baja California.   Characterized by a reddish coloration and a black and white striped tail.  It has a thick body, a triangular head, and a distinctive rattle at the end of its tail.

A venomous pit viper native to southwest United States and Northwestern Mexico.   Their coloration varies wildly - ranging from pink, brown, gray and yellow to nearly white.  It has a thick body, a triangular head, and a distinctive rattle at the end of its tail.

The San Diego Gopher Snake is a non-venomous snake native to Southern California.  Growing up to seven feet long, it has a yellow or tan body with dark blotches, resembling a rattlesnake.  Though harmless, it may hiss and shake its tail when threatened.  Found in grasslands and suburbs, it helps control rodent populations.

The California Kingsnake is a non-venomous snake known for its bold black-and-white or brown-and-cream banding or stripes.  Growing up to four feet long, it is a powerful constrictor that preys on rodents, birds, and even rattlesnake.  Found in diverse habitats across California, it is adaptable, docile, and popular in the pet trade.

The Coastal Lyre Snake is a mildly venomous, rear fanged snake native to the coastal regions of Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States.  It is a subspecies of the Western Lyre Snake named for the lyre-shaped markings on its head.

The California Ring-neck Snake is a small, non-venomous snake found in coastal and inland areas of California.  It is a subspecies of the Ring-neck Snake, named for the distinct ring-like marking around its neck.

The Striped Racer, also known as the California Whipsnake, is a fast, non-venomous snake native to the western United States, particularly California and Baja California.  It is known for its speed, agility, and keen eyesight.

The Two-Striped Garter Snake is a semi-aquatic, non-venomous snake native to California and Baja California.  Unlike many other Garter Snakes, which have three stripes, this species is named for its distinct two-stripe pattern along its body.

The Coastal Rosy Boa is a small, slow-moving, non-venomous snake native to coastal and inland southern California, Baja, California, and parts of Arizona.  It is one of the only two species of boas found in the U.S.

The Coastal Night Snake is a small, mildly venomous, rear-fanged snake native to the western U.S., including coastal California and Baja California.  It is a nocturnal species that is secretive and rarely seen.

The Red Racer, also known as the Coachwhip, is a fast-moving, non-venomous snake native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.  It is named for its long, whip-like body and incredible speed.

The Southern Alligator Lizard is a long-bodied, rough scaled lizard found in the western U.S. and northern Mexico.  It thrives in various habitats, preys on insects and small animals, and can drop its tail to escape predators.