King snakes are predators that eat other animals typically smaller snakes. In the wild their diet consists mostly of lizards small mammals and other snakes. Occasionally they will also eat birds frogs and small turtles. In captivity their diet can be supplemented with rodents and rabbits. King snakes typically kill their prey by constriction coils of their body wrap around the prey until it suffocates.
King snakes are found throughout the Americas from the southeastern United States to Central America. In the wild they typically inhabit forests but can also be found in deserts and swamps. They typically prefer to stay hidden in underbrush or burrows during the day coming out at night to hunt.
king snakes are not venomous but they are capable of delivering a painful bite if provoked. They are not typically considered aggressive snakes but may become defensive if they feel threatened. When threatened king snakes will often vibrate their tails and strike at their aggressor. If this does not deter the aggressor the king snake may release a foul-smelling musk from its cloaca.
What do king snakes eat in the wild?
Small mammals lizards amphibians birds and eggs.
Where do king snakes live?
North Central and South America.
What is the length of a king snake?
3 to 6 feet.
What is the lifespan of a king snake?
Up to 25 years in captivity.
What does the king snake look like?
Brightly colored with bands around its body.
Is the king snake venomous?
No the king snake is not venomous.
What is the king snake’s defense mechanism?
The king snake will often mimic the appearance of a venomous snake to predators.
What is the king snake’s predators?
Birds of prey coyotes foxes and opossums.
What does the king snake eat?
The king snake will eat small mammals lizards amphibians birds and eggs.
How often does the king snake eat?
The king snake typically eats once a week.
What is the king snake’s favorite food?
The king snake’s favorite food is lizards.
Where can I find a king snake?
The king snake can be found in North Central and South America.
What is the king snake’s scientific name?
The king snake’s scientific name is Lampropeltis getula.
What does the king snake use its tongue for?
The king snake uses its tongue to smell its surroundings.
What is the king snake’s reproductive system?
The king snake is oviparous meaning it lays eggs.
