It's illegal to release snakes, even native species, into the wild in CA due to the possibility of spreading diseases. I think it's a good law. CAF&G also reads these forums on a regular basis. That said the main foods of kingsnakes are lizards and rodents. They can eat rattlesnakes but rattlesnakes are not their main food item. Kings and rattlesnakes coexist and the ratio of one to the other is dependant mainly on type of habitat and other evironmental conditions. If you release a kingsnake it is just as likely to eat another kingsnake as it is to eat a rattlesnake.

The best way to reduce rattlesnake encounters on any given piece of property is to alter the habitat so it's not conducive to harboring rattlesnakes. This generally includes things like trimming grass and other vegetation around the house, keeping boards or other things stacked up off the ground and away from walls, ect. Often local snake rescues will have a specialist that can tell you more.
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