Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Someone asked to see a "typical" Calif. mountain kingsnake. The first is of a gravid female, the second is a young male. I rescued the female from certain death as she was sound asleep in the middle of the road. This was last spring, BTW.
Cheers, SA

Those are fantastic! I wish I could find kings sleeping in the street, I would certainly help them off their deathbed!
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Todd Hughes

I have herped for years in California and never even observed one in the wild. Very depressing as they are so awesome looking
Foot Hill Reptiles

I've heard the same from many. Once you learn their...foibles you'll see them as often as any other, only in a shorter time window than those with whom they share habitat (sharptails, boas, garters, gophers, racers, ringnecks, rattlers, etc. Even calkings.)

The only hint I'll offer is that regardless how optimal the conditions might *seem* in other regards, if you don't see western skinks you won't find zonatas. But I only explore the Santa Cruz Mtns so my observations may not hold true throughout the state.

Cheers, SA

PS: REMEMBER TO REPLACE ANYTHING YOU MOVE. ONCE THE "MOISTURE ENVELOPE" IS BROKEN, THINGS WILL DRY OUT AND SHORTEN THAT ROCK OR BOARD'S USEFUL LIFE FOR THE SEASON.