These movements are adapted for moving on the sand as the species is common in arid areas. The snake gets its name from its atypical movements. Sidewinders can grow up to 30 inches but they can also be almost half this size only measuring 17 inches in adulthood. This snake species is among the small to medium snakes of the state. It represents a venomous Rattlesnake that’s mostly encountered in Southern California. Sidewinders are venomous pit viper snakes. Sidewinder SidewinderĬommon name: Horned rattlesnake, sidewinder rattlesnake, sidewinder, Mojave desert sidewinder, sidewinder rattler Hospitalization is needed where those bitten by the snake are given antivenom. This snake’s venom can still kill people. However, this doesn’t mean the Red Diamond Rattlesnake isn’t dangerous. This species is considered the least venomous Rattlesnake. It grows to a length of about 39 inches as an adult. The Red Diamond Rattlesnake is one of the species known for inhabiting Southern California, Baja California, and islands in the Gulf of California.Īs its name suggests, the snake has a faded red color. Red Diamond Rattlesnake Red Diamond RattlesnakeĬommon name: Red diamond rattlesnake, red rattlesnake, red diamond snake, red diamond-backed rattlesnake, red rattler, Western diamond rattlesnake This venomous species prefers to use its venom against small predators rather than wasting it on people whom it tries to escape from. Often seen as the only venomous snake species in Northern California, the Western Rattlesnake is known to grow just past 30 inches and take on the color of its environment. Juveniles are known to eat insects while adult Western Rattlesnakes are known to eat amphibians. It’s known to change appearance and diet as it matures. Snakes of this species are part of the venomous pit viper snakes group. The Western Rattlesnake is considered the most dangerous snake in California. Western rattlesnake Western rattlesnakeĬoommon name: Pacific rattlesnake, Western rattlesnake The following species are the most common in California. Rattlesnakes – venomous with various color patterns across the body with large scales and rattles at the tip of the tail Types of Snakes in California – Identification Guide Patterned snakes – spotted snakes of various colorsīanded snakes – colored bands that partially or fully circle the body Patternless snakes – unmarked unicolor snakesīicolor snakes – dual-color snakes with one color dorsal and different color underbelly Striped snakes – stripes of various colors (tan, white, brown, blue, yellow, or green) You can use them as a guide to staying away from the most dangerous snakes in the state. The following snake colors and patterns best describe the snakes in the state. Knowing which snakes are venomous is a matter of understanding their coloring to properly identify them. Northern California has fewer venomous snakes. Venomous snakes are mostly found in Southern California. If you’re planning to head out to nature in California you should also know the location of these venomous snakes. Over the past few years, the Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake venomous snake has also been reported in the state. The state of California has been known to be the home of various venomous snakes such as Rattlesnakes. Types of Snakes in California – Identification Guide.Are There Venomous Snakes in California?.

California constrictor snakes