Reptile & Amphibian Forums

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.

False! The AZ or Sonoran coral snake does not make it in to the San Gabriel Mountains or CA at all.

DSM

Also, the venom is a neurotoxin like all elapids but there have never been inay recorded deaths from this snake as it is so small and so secretive that it is rarely found and its head is so small that it would have to chew on a finger webspace for a long time to even inject venom!

DSM

Thanks...puts my mind at ease!

Just make sure he releases it. Parviruba are now protected just like pulchra. Silly IMO but don't want to see your son get in trouble over the possession of a snake either and Parvs are what he will find there As has been stated, coral snakes are nowhere near there. Plenty of buzz tails though!!! Peace

Joe

As mentioned already, the Calif Mtn kingsnake from all So Cal localities is now protected. Nobody is supposed to possess one unless he/she is granted a permit from the CA Dept of Fish and Game. No harm in keeping an eye out for one, perhaps taking a pic or video. Always exciting to see one, I don't think CA can outlaw that.