California King Snake - Arthur

California King Snakes are endemic through the western United States and northern Mexico. They are typically found to range from 2.5-4 feet, although some individuals can grow larger. They are a terrestrial species that calls a range of habitats home from tropical tropical and subtropical broadleaf forests to deserts and xeric shrublands. There are many different color morphs of kingsnakes (there are around 45 recognized subspecies!) This trait makes them very popular in the pet trade, they are one of the most popular snakes sold in the US. Wild kingsnakes are known to eat other snakes, small mammals, lizards, birds, reptile eggs, and amphibians.

Arthur is Sarett Nature Center’s ambassador California King Snake. He has been living here for about 10 years being donated by someone who previously owned him as a pet but was unable to continue caring for him. He is a lavender morph which makes his colors a bit softer, almost pastel in appearance – a beautiful triple heterozygous gene! Arthur is a very interesting snake with a unique personality. He can be “tank aggressive” which means he can be quite anxious when someone is retrieving him from his enclosure, but once he is out he is quite friendly and enjoys exploring – occasionally he wraps himself around naturalist Juliet’s ponytail. We do not use him in our educational programs due to his temperament, but he is on display at the nature center and can be visited during operating hours.