Within Fort Bowie, there are two residents in the genus Lampropeltis, also known as the kingsnakes and milk snakes. These snakes are common throughout North America, and there are 45 species within this genus. The two species found in this park are the Sonoran mountain kingsnake, Lampropeltis pyromelana, and common kingsnake, Lampropeltis getula. Although they look similar to coral snakes, these species are not closely related. The western coral snake, also found at Fort Bowie, has broader stripes, and the red stripes are bordered by white. The kingsnake has more narrow stripes that are bordered by black. All kingsnakes are non-venomous, but their appearance mimicking that of a dangerous coral snake helps them avoid becoming a meal to mammals and birds of prey. ![]() NPS Photo
References: Marcus Woo, “Snake Kills Bigger Snakes With World’s Most Powerful Squeeze,” National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/snakes-constrictors-kill-predators-muscles. (accessed August 9th, 2021). Jessie Szalay, “Kingsnake Facts,” LiveScience. https://www.livescience.com/53890-kingsnake.html. (accessed August 9th, 2021). “Kingsnake,” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingsnake. (accessed August 9th, 2021). |
Last updated: September 15, 2021