yard snake

[gorinsandiego]

Over the last couple years I have had a California King roaming my yard which borders a canyon in San Diego. I am thinking he comes after the many lizards that are around the house. Yesterday he was in my kitchen, maybe came in through the garage. I snapped his picture, and went over and opened the side door. He crawled the other way, found an opening and went into the base of a built-in cabinet. Haven't seen him since. What's up with this guy ?

[Albert Clark]

Probably enjoyed the shade and coolness indoors. Looks like a blotched king snake . Sure he'll be back. Lol.;)

[Tsubaki]

That's pretty cool :D

[gorinsandiego]

Hi guys,

The reason I looked for and found this forum is that I am a little concerned about this fellow. He went into the cabinet base two days ago, and as far as I know is still in there. I left the sliding door open a few inches the past two nights. Do these critters wander around at night? If so maybe he went out. His color looked a little dull....his he hiding out to molt? I know very little about snakes. He has been around here at least a couple years. several times I have picked him up and put him into the canyon. He keeps coming back. I guess he likes me. He is not particularly wary of people. hey guys, help me out.

gor

[Albert Clark]

There probably is a prey item that he can catch in the area pretty easily. Nothing to really fear from kingsnakes. Actually its good that he is there bc he's keeping the rodent population down. He also will be keeping any rattlesnakes away also! Stay in peace and not pieces.

[jossh27]

I would try to bait it out and if you can't catch it at least you know it's alive and not rotting in your cabinet :s it will get hungry and hunt for food eventually too but won't be much good if you're not there to scoop it up and set it free

[Chris72]

Very nice looking "Yardus"-Lampropeltis you have there. :D

You can try plugging in a (human) heat pad, put that on the floor over night for a few days and even bait it with stunk up paper towel from under the next time you thaw a rodent for feed.

(Or rodent bedding in you raise your own)

When he comes out to hunt (or look for his way out) he might stay under the hide on the heat.

Take more pictures of him before you let him go.
Good luck.
Chris

[Aaron_S]

...bait it with stunk up paper towel from under the next time you thaw a rodent for feed. ...

Careful with this method.

It is not uncommon for king snakes to attack/eat/swallow paper towel.

[Chris72]

Careful with this method.

It is not uncommon for king snakes to attack/eat/swallow paper towel.


@Gorinsandiego
To ensure the snake isn't harmed, take a little Tupperware that will fit under the hide, pop some holes in it and put your "bait" in there.

Keep us posted.

[gorinsandiego]

Yard snake is back and in vibrant colors. He was close to the house and waiting for a lizard. I went out for a pic and he quickly headed towards the canyon. I think that earlier he was looking for a place to hibernate a little and shed his coat.

Tried to post a couple pics but got into the URL thing.


cheers,

gorinsandiego
gchase1@san.rr.com

[daisymaisy]

good to hear! Your place must have a good reputation among the local snakes. :) Sounds like he made a good houseguest.