San Diego is home to about 25 species of snakes. Of these 25, only the 4 rattlesnakes native to San Diego are venomous and pose a threat to Humans. The remaining 21 species are harmless. Here you will learn about the more commonly seen snakes in the region.
DEADLY TO HUMANS - There are three species of rattlesnakes in San Diego (4 counting the desert on the boarded with Imperial County.
The Red Diamond Rattlesnake is the largest rattlesnake in Poway, growing up to 60” long. It is also the most docile of San Diego’s Rattlesnakes. It has a reddish color to it and has black and white rings next to its rattle.
The Southern Pacific Rattlesnake is the most common rattler in San Diego. It can grow up to 45” long. It has a pale brown, gray, or green color with dark diamond shape blotches on its back. These snakes breed in spring, summer, and fall. Unlike the other San Diego rattlesnakes that only breed in spring, which is likely why it's the most common snake.
Lastly, there is the Speckled Rattlesnake, the Speckled Rattlesnake is very reclusive and avoids people more than its counterparts. It prefers rocky outcroppings to ambush its next meal. It’s dull color with blotches make it camouflage well with its surroundings. Color variations from off-white to light brown, and rust color are common.
The Red Diamond Rattlesnake is a special of special concern. CLICK HERE to learn more about the importance and need to conserve the Red Diamond Rattlesnake.
NOT DANGEROUS - There are two species of king snakes in San Diego, the California King Snake and Mountain King Snake. the Mountain King Snake has red, black, and white rings and is often confused with the deadly Coral Snake (that does not exist in California). California King Snakes have two distinct patterns. Either a black body with white/yellowish rings, or a brown body with white/yellowish stripes running down the length of its body. King snakes are immune to rattlesnake venom and will EAT RATTLESNAKES. These snakes are great to have around. They will also eat the rodents around your house which reduces the food supply for rattlesnakes, discouraging them from being around. If you find one of these, please don't feel captive in your own home.
NOT DANGEROUS - As the name implies, this snake feeds on gophers and small rodents. This snake is often confused with rattlesnakes because it has blotches on its back that resemble the rattlesnake’s diamond back. After a quick glance at its lack of a broad head at the base of the neck, it’s not a venomous snake. If you were to hold one and point its head at a series of gopher holes, it would examine each one. Once it detects a gopher, it will alert by focusing on that specific hole and immediately slither into it to catch its next meal. These snakes are great to have around. They will eat the rodents around your house which reduces the food supply for rattlesnakes, discouraging them from being around. If you find one of these, please don't feel captive in your own home.
NOT DANGEROUS - One of three snakes in San Diego that have a ring pattern. They feed on small reptiles and mice. If you find one of these, please don't feel captive in your own home.
NOT DANGEROUS - These snakes get their name from both their color and their speed. If you find one of these, please don't feel captive in your own home.
NOT DANGEROUS - These snakes are tiny. Their defensive mechanisms to expose their brightly colored underbelly on their tail to distract predators from their head. Please don't feel captive in your own home if you see one of these.
NOT DANGEROUS - These little snakes are FAST. They rarely get longer than two feet and are very slim. They feed on insects, small reptiles and mice. If you find one of these, please don't feel captive in your own home.
Snakes in general, and especially Rattlesnake are instinctually terrifying. Years of human evolution has taught us the perils of rattlesnake. That’s why hearing a rattle sends shivers down the spine. This fear, while warranted and should be respected, does not equate these creatures as bad or evil.
Even worse, this fear and misunderstanding results in the unnecessary death of rattlesnakes causing in imbalance in the ecosystem. Additionally, a number or other, non-venomous snakes are also unnecessary killed when they are mistaken for rattlesnake.
Often, rattlesnakes are eradicated "for safety" because they are dangerous. While they have the potential to be dangerous, rattlesnake bites are incredibly rare. The bites that due occur are generally from inattention, or plain stupidity. Looking before you step, and not "acting tough" by messing around with a rattlesnake can prevent virtually all bites.
While these creatures are terrifying and dangerous, they are also a magnificent and beautiful creature that play an important role in the ecosystem. In fact, a rattlesnake’s presence indicates a thriving ecosystem. Snakes are both a predator and a prey in the ecosystem.
While Rattle Rescue strives to promote coexistence with all rattlesnakes, special attention is paid to Poway's native species of rattlesnake, the Red Diamond Rattle Snake (Crotalus Ruber).
The Red Diamond Rattlesnake is a species of special concern. CLICK HERE to learn more about the importance and need to conserve the Red Diamond Rattlesnake.
Rattlesnakes feed on rodents and vermin. This reduces the amount of rodent borne diseases in the area (and your home). They are an effective, all-natural form of pest control. They don’t have capacity to damage your garden or home-grown fruits and veggies. What they will do, however, is eat the animals that do.
Rattlesnakes are a food source for a number of predators in Poway. Large raptors, such as the red-tailed hawk eat them. Coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, and roadrunners are among a number of animals that use rattlesnakes as a food source.
Still not sold on rattlesnakes? Learn to love other species of snakes. Kingsnakes and racers (non-venomous) will EAT rattlesnakes! These snakes, along with other San Diego snakes will also compete with rattlesnakes for food, encourage rattlesnakes to seek other locations for food sources.