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Presidio of San Francisco
Pacific Ringneck Snake
Pacific Ringneck Snake
Courtesy of californiaherps.com, © G. Nafis
Pacific Ringneck Snake in Canta Cruz, similar to what might be found at the Presidio.
 

Natural History: This snake prefers moist cover and open, rocky areas. It eats worms and smaller reptiles and amphibians. It lays eggs from April to July that hatch from August to October. Hibernating individuals often aggregate in groups.

General Distribution: In the Presidio, this reptile can most commonly be found in annual grasslands and forests.

Frequency: This species is may possibly occur in the Presidio. It has not been sighted in recent years.

Identifying Characteristics: This snake has a slender body. Its coloration can be olive, brownish, blue-gray, or almost black with a dark head and a yellowish neck band. Its underside is a yellow-orange to red color with a spotted belly. It displays red on its tail's underside when disturbed.

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U.S. Army major rank insignia  

Did You Know?
In 1915, a tragic fire at the Presidio claimed the lives of General Pershing’s wife and his three daughters. Pershing's son, Francis Warren, survived the blaze and chose to enlist in the army as a private during World War II. By the end of the war he had achieved the rank of major.

Last Updated: June 30, 2007 at 15:22 EST