Cobras: Non-Native Status and Rare Escapes
Cobras are not native to California and are not part of the state’s natural wildlife. These species, which are native to Africa and Asia, cannot establish a stable, self-sustaining population in California. The climate does not support the necessary conditions for these exotic reptiles to thrive and breed successfully in the wild.
Any cobra found in California results from the exotic pet trade, representing an illegal pet, an accidental escape, or an intentional release. These incidents are extremely rare but occasionally make headlines, such as the high-profile case involving an albino monocled cobra that escaped in Thousand Oaks in 2014. The occasional presence of a cobra is an isolated issue related to human activity, not evidence of an established wild population.
Identifying California’s Harmless Native Snakes
Concerns about exotic threats often lead to the misidentification of California’s many harmless native snakes. The Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer) is commonly mistaken for venomous species due to its defensive behavior. When threatened, the Gopher Snake will hiss loudly, vibrate its tail, and flatten its head into a triangular shape, mimicking a rattlesnake.
The California Kingsnake is another non-venomous species prevalent throughout the state, recognizable by its distinct banding pattern. Kingsnakes are beneficial to the ecosystem, as they prey on other snakes, including rattlesnakes. Harmless snakes like the Gopher Snake and Kingsnake can be distinguished from dangerous species by their rounded pupils and the lack of a prominent rattle on their tail.
California’s True Venomous Threat: The Rattlesnake
The primary safety concern regarding dangerous snakes in California is the native rattlesnake, the state’s only type of native venomous snake. California is home to seven species of rattlesnakes (Crotalus spp.), found in diverse habitats from below sea level to high elevations. They are most commonly encountered during the warmer months, typically between April and October, when both snakes and humans are active outdoors.
Rattlesnakes are identifiable by several distinct features, including a broad, triangular-shaped head and the characteristic rattle at the end of the tail. They also possess heat-sensing pits located between the eye and the nostril. While a rattlesnake may use its rattle as a warning, they do not always sound it before striking defensively.
If a rattlesnake is encountered, maintain a distance of at least six feet and never attempt to touch, handle, or move the snake, even if it appears dead. Most bites occur when people try to interfere with the snake. In the event of a bite, remain calm and seek immediate medical attention by calling 911. Avoid first aid myths, such as applying a tourniquet or attempting to cut and suck out the venom, as these can cause further tissue damage.