Lampropeltis zonata

This may well be the rarest snake in Washington, with the shrinking population existing only in a small restricted area in Klickitat and Skamania counties on the Oregon border. Their original range extended all the way from Baja California through Oregon and into our state. The Washington population has fragmented from the Oregon population, leaving only a small island here in our state.

This is a fascinating snake with classic red, black and white or yellow bands. These striking snakes are often confused with the lethal Coral snakes which do not live here. As is true with all kingsnakes and milksnakes, they are immune to the venom of rattlesnakes and will not die if bitten. Not only are they unfazed by the venom, but will constrict and swallow the rattlesnake if hungry. Besides eating snakes, small mammals, nestling birds, birds’ eggs and lizards are also on the menu. They are quite harmless to humans and, in fact, are beneficial to the ecosystem by helping to keep rodent populations in check.