A Colorful Longnosed Snake

I found this Longnosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) near Phoenix many years ago. Interestingly, this species is most often mistaken for a kingsnake by locals, even (especially!) by those who identify strongly as “born and raised here.” It’s likely the case that the majority of “kingsnakes” seen by the typical Arizona resident are actually Longnosed Snakes. This one has a particularly high amount of the red-orange color that can help differentiate it from similar looking species, making it a bit easier.

Here’s a video we made that helps learn to identify them compared to kingsnakes: https://youtu.be/ysE-MLzu_9Y?si=9CPYtboddxjz50Rg

California Kingsnake On The Hunt

A California Kingsnake I saw crossing a road near my house. I was out looking for baby Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes to move off the roadway, which were out in force that night. I think this kingsnake and I were doing the same thing, though hoping for different outcomes. I moved it to the side of the road and wished it luck.