California King Snake Diet

The California king snake, also known by its scientific name Lampropeltis getulus Californiae, is native to California, Arizona, Baja, Oregon, southern Utah and Nevada. They can live up to 15 years, some living well over 20 years.

  1. Lizards and Birds

    • California king snakes feed on various lizards and birds such as quail that live in the brush that the snake uses as its main hunting ground.

    Eggs

    • The California king snake eats eggs it finds from raiding bird, turtle or other reptile nests.

    Zoo Diet

    • California king snakes kept in zoos are fed a diet of baby chicks, mice and pinkies (a newborn mouse) once a week throughout their captive life.

    Frogs and Turtles

    • The California king snake will hunt turtles and frogs found in the wetlands of its natural habitat.

    Small Mammals

    • The California king snake eats small mammals such as mice, rabbits, rats and anything it can get a hold of in its natural habitat.

    Snakes

    • The California King snake eats other snakes, venomous and non-venomous. They produce and enzyme that helps to breakdown the poison in snakes such as water moccasins, rattle snakes, coral snakes, and copperhead snakes.