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Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation AreaNight snake (Hypsiglena torquata), Santa Monica Mountains
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Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Snakes
 

Of the 14 snakes found in the Santa Monica Mountains, only one, the southern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis), is venomous. Common snakes include the gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer), California kingsnake (Lampropeltus getulus), mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltus zonata), California striped racer (Masticophis lateralis), red coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum), two-striped garter snake (Thamnophis hammondii), blackhead snake (Tantilla planiceps), ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus), and the yellowbelly racer (Coluber constrictor). Other less common species include the blind snake (Leptotyphlops humilis), coast patch-nosed snake (Salvadora hexalepis), night snake (Hypsiglena torquata), and the lyre snake (Trimorphodon biscutatus).

 

Click here to download a checklist of the reptiles and amphibians of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

 

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SAMO Snakes
Long-tailed weasel, Cheeseboro Canyon
Science & Resource Management
Links to the Mediterranean Coast Network Science and Resource Management website.
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Reptile and Amphibian Field Guide
More information on the reptiles and amphibians of coastal Southern California
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The adult female of this cub died in 2005.  

Did You Know?
A study that began in 2002 reveals a lion and his offspring are surviving in the Santa Monica Mountains. Radio collars track them crossing roads and navigating through open spaces. Their future is uncertain, but with conservation efforts, they may continue to make these mountains their home.

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Last Updated: August 18, 2009 at 13:29 EST