Snakes

A wide variety of the legless reptiles we either love or loathe live in Davis and the surrounding countryside. Snakes are part of the natural town wildlife and are part of the ecosystem of Davis and it's outskirts. The Davis environment straddles the general path of Putah Creek, an important corridor between the Coast Range of Northern California and the Sacramento Delta. The riparian habitats along the creek, the wetlands of the Delta and the interspersed grasslands combine to provide a variety of habitats for several snake species. Interesting variations in color patterns of both Kingsnakes and Gopher Snakes occur in our area. There is one rare snake species found in the wetlands east of Davis.

A Gopher Snake on the UC Davis campus

Typical Gopher Snake pattern. Striped phase of Gopher Snake Gopher Snake about to shed it's skin. Another specimen of the Striped phase of Gopher Snake Shed skin from Gopher Snake.

Gopher Snakes (Pituophis catenifer) are a our most common species of snake in the Davis area. Our local subspecies is the Pacific Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer catenifer). They are a resilient species, and still survive in some of the few remaining vacant lots and more wild open space areas in the city limits and on the UC Davis campus. They remain numerous in the agricultural areas of Yolo County and along Putah Creek. The typical patter is a series of dark blotches on a tan background. An uncommon striped phase occurs in our area. The usual blotches are diffused into a striped pattern.

A snake's skin does not grow in the same way our skin grows. When they have become too big for their skin, they will shed their old skin, after having produced a new larger body covering. Prior to shedding, the scales become opaque. This is especially noticeable in the scale covering their eyes. Thus a cloudy eye is a signal that that snake is about to shed it's skin.

Gopher Snakes superficially resemble rattlesnakes and will mimic rattlesnake behavior, presumably to ward off would be predators. They will raise their head, draw it back and widen the jaw area in a surprisingly accurate impression of a rattlesnake head. To complete the deception they will hiss audibly and rapidly shake the tip of their tail, sometime on the ground or in dry leaves, creating a sound that could be interpreted as a rattle. Despite all the drama, gopher snakes are harmless and provide an important function in our ecosystem. They should be both respected and protected.

Juvenile Northern Pacific Rattlesnake from Knoxville Wildlife AreaSmall rattler found at Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve

Juvenile Northern Pacific Rattlesnake from Knoxville Wildlife Area

Rattlesnakes rarely occur in the Davis area. Rattlers have been caught on campus. It is thought that rattlesnakes wash down Putah Creek and the Yolo Bypass during heavy flows, temporarily expanding their range. These do not seem to result in viable, reproducing populations of rattlesnakes in either area.

Our local Rattlesnake species is the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake ("Crotalus oreganus oreganus"). These animals are common in the Coast Range west of Davis. They are frequently seen on roads in the early evening in the Spring and Summer months. There is quite a bit of color variation amongst both juveniles and adults.

These serpents are poisonous and should not be handled.

Common Kingsnake found along Putah CreekDelta Banded Black Belly morph of the California Kingsnake found at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area

Another, less common snake in our area is the Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) which lives in a variety of habitats in open areas around Davis. They may still exist in the city limits in remaining open fields. Kingsnakes are found throughout the country, with many variations in color and pattern. The subspecies in our area is known as the California Kingsnake. An interesting "Delta phase" can be found in our area which exhibits a more diffused banding pattern. Other Kingsnakes in our area may show thin bands, giving the snake an overall darker appearance. This phase is sometimes described as the "Delta Banded Black Belly" morph.

Beautiful RacerRacers inhabit nearby grassland habitats.

Racer in hunting modeJuvenile racer (left) sharing shelter with young adult (right).

Grasslands in the area are home to the Yellow-bellied Racer Coluber constrictor, a swift, slender serpent that feeds on lizards, birds and rodents. They actively hunt with their head high above the ground, moving it from side to side when seeking prey on the ground. They will climb trees in search of birds.These snakes range from a greenish gray color to an iridescent lime green color with a colorful underbelly.

Interestingly, the juveniles look like a completely different species, displaying a pattern of blotches on their sides and a banding on the dorsal part of their body, superficially resembling a young gopher snake. Before modern field guides were in wide use, many amateurs believed them to be an entirely different species. They lose this pattern in their first year of life.

These snakes can be quite large, with large specimens approaching six feet in length.

There are probably not too many Racers left within the Davis city limits.

Dorsal view of Giant Garter Snake.Giant Garter Snake in the Yolo Bypass.

The Giant Garter Snake Thamnophis gigas, is a threatened species that is found in wetlands and irrigation canals at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. This serpent can reach lengths of over six feet long. Once common throughout the Central Valley, they are now restricted to smaller populations scattered across a more restricted geographic area.These animals are the most aquatic of the garter snakes, feeding on fish, invertebrates and amphibians. They usually lack the characteristic reddish stripes found on other garter snake species. They spend the winter months in underground burrows.

Valley Garter Snake active on a road in the late afternoon in the Fall.Valley Garter Snake in the handBright red pattern on Valley Garter Snake

The much more common species of Garter Snake in our area is the Valley Garter Snake. This is our sub species of the Common Garter Snake. They are closely associated with moist areas, though not nearly as aquatic as the Giant Garter Snake. They often exhibit bold red stripes along the side of their bodies.

Ringed-neck Snake in coast range.Underside of same snake.

A small snake found along Putah Creek and in our local hills is the Ring-necked Snake, Diadophis punctatus. This beautiful snake feeds on insects, small lizards and salamanders. They are rather cryptic, spending a lot of their time under rocks and plant debris. The underside of these critters are a beautiful orange color, presumably to fool predators into thinking they're venomous.

• For more info on other local wild animals see Town Wildlife.
  

• For more info on snake habitat, see Sacramento International Airport