Los Angeles, with its diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to urban green spaces, is home to various snake species. The region’s varied ecosystems provide suitable habitats, leading to their presence across many parts of the county. Understanding the types of snakes present and their behaviors can help residents and visitors coexist safely with these animals.
Snake Species in Los Angeles
Los Angeles County hosts a variety of snake species, including both non-venomous and venomous types. Identifying them by their characteristics and behaviors is helpful for awareness.
Common Non-Venomous Species
The Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer) is a common, non-dangerous species that can grow quite long, typically reaching up to 5 feet. They often have muddy brown, yellowish, or gray coloring with dark brown spots and are diurnal, preferring meadows and woodlands. Gopher snakes mimic rattlesnakes when threatened, coiling their bodies, hissing loudly, and vibrating their tails to create a rattling sound.
The California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) is another prevalent non-venomous species, recognized for its docile nature and striking patterns. These snakes typically display alternating dark and light bands, varying in color from black and white to brown, tan, or yellow. California Kingsnakes are constrictors and prey on other snakes, including venomous rattlesnakes, to whose venom they are largely immune. They are mostly diurnal but can become nocturnal in hot weather and may vibrate their tails when disturbed.
Venomous Species
The Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) is the primary native venomous snake in Los Angeles. This pit viper typically grows to about 40 inches (100 cm) and has earthy colors with dark blotches, often with white borders. Rattlesnakes are identifiable by their distinctive rattles at the end of their tails, which produce a warning sound. They also possess a triangular-shaped head, a common pit viper feature. While their bites can be dangerous, rattlesnakes prefer to avoid confrontation, typically using their rattle as a warning when threatened.
Where Snakes are Found
Snakes in Los Angeles are found across a wide range of environments, adapting to both natural and human-modified landscapes. The county’s diverse terrain provides varied habitats.
Snakes inhabit wild areas such as mountains, canyons, and chaparral, where they find ample cover and prey. These natural environments offer ideal conditions for species to thrive. They are often encountered on hiking trails and in parks, especially those bordering undeveloped land.
Snakes also extend into suburban and urban environments, particularly near natural open spaces, brush, or debris. Properties with overgrown vegetation, woodpiles, or other hiding spots can attract snakes seeking shelter or food. They may also be found in undeveloped lots or areas with abundant rodent populations, a primary food source.
Living Safely with Snakes
Coexisting with snakes in Los Angeles involves understanding how to behave during an encounter and minimizing their presence around homes. Practical measures can reduce unwanted interactions.
Encountering a Snake
If you encounter a snake, give it ample space and avoid provoking it. Do not attempt to handle, capture, or kill the snake, as this can lead to bites. If the snake is a suspected rattlesnake, back away slowly and maintain a distance of at least 10 steps, as they can strike up to half their body length. Allowing the snake to move away is the safest approach.
Prevention and Deterrence
To minimize snake encounters, maintain a tidy yard by regularly mowing grass and removing clutter like leaf piles, wood, and rocks that serve as hiding spots. Controlling rodent populations, a primary food source, can also deter them. Sealing cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation and blocking access to sheds, garages, and crawl spaces prevents snakes from entering structures. Snake-proof fencing, buried a few inches into the ground with a slight outward slant, is an effective barrier.
Emergency Contact
If a snake bite occurs, remain calm and seek immediate medical attention by calling 911. Do not attempt to suck out venom, apply a tourniquet, or cut the wound. For snake removal from your property, especially for venomous species, contact professional snake removal services or animal control instead of attempting removal yourself.