Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I live in southern california just on the edge of the desert (west of Palm Springs). I know we have coachwhips and racers out here and I wanted to know when would be the best times to find them. What time of year? What time of day? Where should I be looking?... that kind of thing.

Thanks!

march seems to be the month,and before 11AM in old groves in high locations, hills, grasslands,somewhere where rats are abundant....at least here in fla..JB

March eh? Hehe... I think that's exactly when I found the young coachwhip I have now. Hmmmm... Too bad we're already in July. I'd really love to find some... maybe I still can.

They're still active this late in the year. I found mine in late July, at around 10:30am. Definitely look in rocky areas with low lying shrubs as they seem to enjoy climbing once in a while to look for food. If you can, look in places where there are pieces of plywood or tin on the ground. The morning is when they are most active.

Thanks! That's encouraging.

I was wondering recently... Where would you find coachwhips when they are NOT active... where are they when they sleep? The baby one I found was under a large tabletop.

Not much is known about the natural history of the Masticophis genus. However, it is known they do overwinter in communal dens in some areas. During the day they can be found resting under boards, logs, rocks, and other debris, as well as holes (usually of rodent making).

Finding a coachwhip is one thing - catching them is another. In the summertime these snakes are very, very fast. I caught a few while vacationing in Las Vegas, but they were always under plywood or tin. Then you have to make a quick grab. I haven't caught any in an open field - although I've tried.

Tim

Las Vegas Herping Photos