Printable brochure on snakes
Snakes
Can be found throughout the west valley. Most are non-venomous and those that do have venom use it primarily to kill their prey.
Rattle Snake
There are many different species of rattlesnakes and each can be identified by the variation of the pattern and color of their skin. Rattlesnakes have a forked tongue that they flick up and down. The fork of the tongue is a directional aide. It can provide information based on which side or fork in the tongue has the strongest presence of a particular odor. This information helps the rattlesnake follow its prey or find it's way home. Rattlesnakes are usually not aggressive and only strike when threatened or deliberately provoked. Rattlesnakes can cause serious injury to humans on rare occasions. The potential of running into a rattlesnake should not prevent anyone from venturing outdoors, However there are several precautions that can be taken to lessen the chance of being bitten while outdoors.
Desert King-snake Lampropeltis getula splendida
The Desert King-snake is the mortal enemy of Rattle snakes. A King-snake eats Rattlers just like it does any other snake. They bite it, and then kill it by constriction. Rattlesnake venom seems to have no effect on King-snakes. They also eat lizards, mice, rats, birds, and eggs. They are found in arid regions of the Southwest United States and Northern Mexico. They are quite easy to keep in captivity and are relatively non-aggressive. Desert King-snakes are usually shades of black and brown, and often have speckled markings in yellow, cream, or white. However, coloration fades with age. The Desert King-snake is a moderately sized snake and is rarely seen over four feet in length, although some specimens have been longer than five feet.
Desert Rosy Boa Lichanura trivrgata
Rosy boas are a heavy bodied snake. They are one of the smallest members of the boa family. They can be found in the Mojave Desert and Colorado Desert of southern California. Like other boas they kill their prey by constriction. They are primarily a ground dwelling snake, but will and are able to climb. If feeling defensive, they may roll up into a ball keeping their head in the center for protection and release a foul smelling musk. Rosy boas eat small mammals and birds.
West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District
West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District