Desert Kingsnake

Desert Kingsnake- Lampropeltis splendida

The Desert Kingsnake is a non-venomous species found throughout the Southwest, instantly recognizable by its sleek black body patterned with yellow or cream speckling. Unlike rattlesnakes, kingsnakes are completely harmless to people and pets, and in fact, they are natural rattlesnake predators, playing an important role in balancing local ecosystems. In our training program, the Desert Kingsnake is especially valuable because it can be safely worked with outside of a cage, giving dogs an unimpeded view of a live, moving snake. This adds an important layer of realism to avoidance training while still maintaining complete safety. Calm and resilient by nature, the kingsnake also serves as an educational ambassador, helping the community see that not all snakes are dangerous. They are avid hunters and garbage disposal eaters, with their fast metabolisms (for a reptiles) they can easily consume full nests of young rodents.

A beautiful desert king snake climbing a stool- photo credit: Erica Lavin