Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been out looking for Zonata off and on for the last 2 years and have yet to have luck in finding one. I would love to see one of these animals in nature. Anyone know a spot where I might get lucky? I'm not asking for specifics, just general locales etc.

Just hike the trails on any mtn range in the county (i.e. Santa Monicas,San Gabriels,etc).You can also night drive them when it warms up.Just get a good Delorme map or Thomas guide. You might want to read up and their natural history also.They are not a rare snake by any means,but they are secretive.

I've had luck by hiking the East Fork San Gabriel River. They are particularly active beyond they region of typical picnic area, thats about a mile up the river beyond the parking lot. I've found them active in the evening shade, after the sun sinks behind the mountains.

I would love to see a zonata in the wild also. Keep in mind when out looking there is a special closure on them. "No California mountain kingsnakes shall be taken in Orange and San Diego counties, and in Los Angeles county west of Interstate 5".

Terry Parks

>>I've been out looking for Zonata off and on for the last 2 years and have yet to have luck in finding one. I would love to see one of these animals in nature. Anyone know a spot where I might get lucky? I'm not asking for specifics, just general locales etc.

I haven't been down that way in a couple years, but I saw a couple roadkilled along a popular lakeshore. A local kid on a bike noticed me checking out a squashed snake and before he was close enough to see it he guessed it. "Kingsnake right?" I told him yeah, he looked as he passed and nodded in agreement. He was so non chalant about it, like he sees them every day.

I haven't explored much further South than that, but if you stay in that same climate band your chances should be good. Elevation of around 3000 feet, in the ponderosa pine belt.

My dad has a picture of one in Yosemite. He walked around a corner in a trail and his ditzy girlfriend was holding it by the tail, saying "I think it's a coral snake."

I have seen three in L.A. county. One on the coastal side of the Santa Monicas at around 100 ft. above sea level and two in the San Gabriels at 5000 ft. Unfortunately one of these was D.O.R. I have also one unverified report of a "red, black, and white, striped snake" from Wilacre park in Hollywood. They are here.

sorry, I meant to post this photo with the last reply,
good luck!

East Fork San Gabriel River, Los Angeles Co.

Field Observations

North Fork San Gabriel River, L.A.

Field Observations