We live near the San Gabriel mountains (Pasadena, CA), & my son has seen a snake that by his description, I think, is a Calif. mountain king snake.

I was cautioned by a snake (expert) to beware, because there are something called a Western Coral snake in the same vicinity, & their venom is especially toxic. I've never heard such a thing...

True or false? My son is determined to catch one...spends every training ride ( he's a pro mountains bike racer) looking for one.

Thanks.