snake identification

Posted by Heidi Holm on May 6, 2006

Q: A snake that has a black base with white bands with a red triangular pattern between the bands. It is white band, black, red triangle. black, white band. Very narrow head.

About 2 feet long.

Habitat: field/meadow

State: Oregon

Habitat: field/meadow

A: From your description, it sounds like you saw the California Mountain Kingsnake, Lampropeltis zonata. This is a beautiful snake that is harmless. This species is found in California and the southern part of Oregon. Try googling this animal and see if my ID is correct. Thanks for asking.

John Wiessinger ( May 12, 2006)