Scientific Name: Masticophis flagellum

Temporal Activity: Diurnal, hibernates, is active during morning and late afternoon from April to October. 

Diet: Eats lizards, snakes, birds and their eggs, small mammals, insects and carrion.

Predators:  Preyed upon by hawks, owls, coyotes, and ringtails.  Eaten by skunks when small.

Breeding: 4-20 eggs, mates in spring.

Vegetation Association: Occupies a variety of habitats: creosotebush desert, short-grass prairie, shrub-covered flats and hills, sagebrush desert, and pinon-juniper woodlands.

Notes: A fast snake can move at speeds of 3.6 mph.

Photo: Taken at Brown's Ranch on April 23, 2004.  For more photos click on camera icon.