California Mountain Kingsnake
Lampropeltis zonata
- L. zonata – El Dorado Co, CA – photo by Phil Stone
- L. zonata – Kern Co, CA – photo by Ric Blair
- L. zonata – Riverside Co, CA – photo by Ric Blair
- L. zonata – San Diego Co, CA – photo by Ric Blair
- L. zonata – Santa Clara Co, CA – photo by Ric Blair
- L. zonata – Santa Cruz Co, CA – photo by Ric Blair
- Map by Steve Bledsoe, SWCHR
DISTRIBUTION: In our region, Lampropeltis zonata occurs in the mountains of coastal and interior California. It is absent from the desert regions of the state.
LEGAL STATUS: The California Department of Fish and Game lists Lampropeltis zonata as a Species of Special Concern with the San Bernardino population (formerly recognized as L. z. parvirubra) and the San Diego population (formerly recognized as L. z. pulchra) to be potentially threatened. California Mountain Kingsnakes CAN NOT be collected in Orange and San Diego counties, and in Los Angeles County west of Interstate 5. Otherwise, throughout the remainder of California there is a bag/possession limit of one (1).