The Red Diamond Rattlesnake (crotalus ruber ruber) is San Diego County’s largest venomous snake. Venomous Snakes of California: It is said that there are over 33 species of snake in California although luckily, only around 18% of the species are venomous, and less than 10% of snake sightings are of a California venomous snake. That’s the red diamond rattlesnake. Color can be brown, tan, black, or brick red. A snake that can reach up to 9’ long, the gopher snake is undoubtedly our largest snake. There are four species of rattlesnakes found in San Diego. For the second year in a row, UC San Diego Medical Center toxicologists are reporting unusually powerful snake bites and unusually extreme patient reactions to those bites. This snake rarely rattles or strikes when approached. Snakes have been a part of the San Diego Zoo’s animal collection since its inception. Since January, several patients have suffered bites with severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, often after a bite from the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake. In the coastal and mountain areas, the types of such snakes include the Western , Southwestern Speckled and Red Diamond . Often this snake will mimic a rattlesnake as a defensive tactic: by its similar coloration, by … Toxin levels in rattler venom vary from year to year and season to season but – typically- venom is weaker in winter and stronger in summer because snakes are more active, fighting for food and for survival. Crotalus oreganus (often called the Western Rattlesnake) is the most common venomous snake in California, and is comprised of three subspecies: Crotalus oreganus helleri, Crotalus oreganus lutosus, and Crotalus oreganus oreganus. At the same time, it is the second least venomous of San Diego’s rattlesnakes. These snakes are found from sea level to an altitude of 8,200 ft. Kingsnakes are one of the most widespread snake species in the US. It is a CA Species of Special Concern. In the desert is the Sidewinder.. How do you tell if a snake is venomous? But aside from that, all other snakes are fair game. It is a CA Species of Special Concern. Its diet consists of small mammals, birds and their eggs, lizards, and invertebrates. For the second year in a row, UC San Diego Medical Center toxicologists are reporting unusually powerful snake bites and unusually extreme patient reactions to those bites. For photographs of the common species of snakes in California, click on the Common Snakes of California page. They are ground-dwelling snakes that often kill and eat other snakes, even venomous ones, including rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths—kingsnakes are highly resistant to their venom. This harmless snake is common in southern California and less common in the San Joaquin Valley and foothills, and is active during the day. Clark emphasized that while San Diego County is seeing a rise in snake bite cases each year, the more alarming factor recently is the toxicity of the bite. Of the rattlesnake species in California, only one is protected. Color can be brown, tan, black, or brick red. Photo Index of California Snakes Click on a picture for a larger view These are pictures of California's indigenous snakes along with one introduced species and one that might occur in California. In the coastal and mountain regions of San Diego County there are three kinds: the Western Rattlesnake, the Speckled Rattlesnake , and the Red Diamond Rattlesnake . Found frequently on rocky hillsides, it is active all year-round, although most-active from April to November. Clark emphasized that while San Diego County is seeing a rise in snake bite cases each year, the more alarming factor recently is the toxicity of the bite. “A snake’s venom also changes depending on what it’s eating and the temperature of the day. The king of snakes: If you've lived in California for a while, chances are good that you've encountered a king—a kingsnake, that is! The Red Diamond Rattlesnake (crotalus ruber ruber) is San Diego County’s largest venomous snake. Perhaps only the strongest, most venomous snakes survive,” Clark said. What rattlesnakes are found around San Diego? In our area, the only venomous snakes are rattlesnakes. Toxin levels in rattler venom vary from year to year and season to season but – typically- venom is weaker in winter and stronger in summer because snakes are more active, fighting for food and for survival. Because of San Diego's warm climate, reptile experts say you could encounter a venomous snake year round in the county. Found frequently on rocky hillsides, it is active all year-round, although most-active from April to November. Since January, several patients have suffered bites with severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, often after a bite from the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake. This snake rarely rattles or strikes when approached. Of the non-venomous snakes in the state, the San Francisco garter snake and giant garter snake are also legally protected.