One of the most common, and harmless, reptilian residents in the Anza Valley is the California kingsnake.This sleek serpent is also the state snake, and even has California mentioned in its scientific name, Lampropeltis californiae.While plentiful in the forest, woodland, chaparral, grassland, marshes, deserts and even brushy suburban areas, kingsnakes can be secretive, quietly hunting rodents, young birds, eggs, invertebrates, amphibians and even other snakes. They are famous for their ability to overcome and eat rattlesnakes without harm, being immune to the rattler’s venom. This resistance is provided by enzymes that break down the other snake’s venom, but the kingsnakes are only resistant to the venomous snakes in their same location.Also known as a powerful constrictor
