The kingsnake is one of the most fascinating reptiles in all of North America. Though they are largely harmless to the human population due to a lack of a venomous bite, the kingsnake is still appropriately named. The reason for this is because they are capable of killing and eating not only a wide array of animals, but also their venomous brethren. The kingsnake is actually immune to the venomous snakes in the area, and so they often will make a meal of them.
The kingsnake is a constrictor. They are swift and active hunters, and they will pursue their prey into a number of different habitats. This may include rodent burrows, bushes and even along the river beds. Once the kingsnake has found its prey, they strike quickly and wrap them up in their coils. They will then slowly squeeze them to death, tightening their coils each time their prey exhales. They then swallow their prey whole, beginning with the head.
In addition to eating their fellow snakes, Kingsnakes also will dine on any small mammal, birds, frogs and various other amphibians.
The kingsnake comes in many variations and subspecies. They can be every color from red to green and black, and every other color of the rainbow. They commonly have stripes that alternate, and generally grow to about 6 feet at maturity. They are very common in their range and they generally live for about 25 years.
Kingsnake’s vary as to their aggressive nature. Some are feisty biters when captured or cornered, while others seem to be very placid. When the Kingsnake is particularly afraid, they are known to release feces onto their attacker.
Kingsnakes hibernate during the cold season, and the length of time varies depending on where they are located. In the northern part of their range, Kingsnakes will sometimes hibernate for four months or more.
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