• East view from Crissy Field overlook with old Coast Guard station on left and city on right

    Presidio of San Francisco

    California

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Pacific Ringneck Snake

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

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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Did You Know?

Detail from Spanish Coat of Arms

While stationed at the Presidio, the U.S. Army adopted the Coat of Arms of Royal Spain for heraldry purposes. The seal appeared on vehicles, signs, and badges throughout the post.