Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi. I was just wandering are there any snakes in California considered rare or maybe recently discovered? I still remember finding my first Rubber Boa a few years ago and I didn’t even know they lived here. I should have got a picture of me franticly flipping through my field guide trying to find out what the heck it was LOLJ Thanks in advance.
FOOT HILL REPTILES

Some people may consider the below species rare. However, if you think the Boa is a rare species than perhaps all snake in California should be categorized on the list below.

Bogertophis rosaliae, Baja California Rat Snake
Contia sp., Forest Sharp-tailed Snake (not rare, but perhaps new species)
Masticophis flagellum ruddocki, San Joaquin Coachwhip
Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus, Alameda Striped Whipsnake
Pituophis catenifer pumilus, Santa Cruz Island Gopher Snake
Thamnophis gigas, Giant Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia, San Francisco Garter Snake

Wow thats interesting. I did not know we had a Rat snake in the state. I knew about the Forest sharp tial and have IMO personal observed a Giant Garter even though I am told they do not occur in the area I found this one. Anyway thanks a million.
FOOT HILL REPTILES

I believe a single specimen was found, well outside of its natural range. Probably a captive or unintentionally transported specimen. Unlikely that they actually range in California.
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"I'll be back at 6 if not 7. 8 the very latest but definatly no later than 9...ish...Moscow time."

Are there any confirmed live sightings of the Santa Rosilia rat snake in the state. The only "data" I am aware of was a DOR that there was at least some chance was a captive "dead in cage" plant. I know first hand that they occur very near the California border so I would not be too surprised to see them in some of the palm canyons of the southern most deserts.

Whoa. Interesting question! I presume their typical habitat in Mexico includes palm canyon oasis', thus your conjecture on their possible range in Cali. In addition to awaiting answers to your question, you've hieghtened my awareness...in the future, when in Borrego et al, I'll be looking!

Wow! I'm gonna be down in that area near the end of this month. It would be exciting to find one.

reako45

Hey Reako-
There are a number of palm oasis' in the canyons of the Jucumba Mountains that offer a good shot. Be advised that most, but not all, of that habitat is within the state park boundry. It is also extremely remote and rugged country. However, I'm sure its crawling with ratsnakes. Be safe.

Thanx for the info. Even if it's within state park boundaries it'd still be cool to photograph them. Talk about a Holy Grail of herping! Right up there w/ that Mojave green/Southern Pacific intergrade.

reako45

There are rumors of others snakes located in the area. Some rumored sightings occurred a mile or two south of the border. However, these are not confirmed sightings and potentially should be disregarded.

Nonetheless, many creditable herpetologists believe Rat Snakes are native to the area. Its scales have been studied (by others) and they correspond or exceed those observed in north Baja California.

Well the possibility that the animal exists in California is exciting. And that the likeihood is remote, only makes the quest even more inviting. Remember, we were assured for over 60 years that the Ivory-billed Woodpecker was extinct...well, until 2004 when the species was re-discovered by birders and confirmed by ornithologists from Cornell University. It pleases me to know that we don't know everything!