User:Jamesfutrell/California kingsnake

The California Kingsnake, like all snakes, has a special way of "smelling". Instead of using nostrils, snakes have developed a forked tongue and a Jacobson's organ. The Jacobson's organ allows the California Kingsnake to analyze what is around it through scent particles. The snake's forked tongue will grab onto the scent particles and place those particles onto the top of the buccal cavity, or mouth, where the Jacobson's organ opens. This process helps with the snake's tropotaxis, which may allow the snake to become better at hunting down their prey. That said, California kingsnakes are opportunistic feeders and common food items include rodents, birds, other reptiles and amphibians. All kingsnakes are non-venomous, but are powerful constrictors and generally kill their prey through suffocation. The "king" in their name refers to their propensity to hunt and eat other snakes, including venomous rattlesnakes, that are commonly indigenous to their natural habitat. California kingsnakes are naturally resistant to the venom of rattlesnakes, but are not totally immune.

Reproduction

In order to assert dominance when fighting another male, the California Kingsnake will get onto the other male and proceed biting the other snake.

In captivity

This snake's status is currently of least concern. However, with it's popularity as a pet, it has faced troubles in the past.

Description

This snake's length is, on average, two feet, however, they have (though rarely) exceeded three and a half feet. Their colors may vary, but they are usually found with brown/black and white/tan stripes.