Species Reptiles & AmphibiansEastern Kingsnake

Eastern Kingsnake

Lampropeltis getula

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula)

The Eastern Kingsnake is a powerful constrictor immune to pit viper venom. It actively hunts and eats rattlesnakes and copperheads, making it highly valued by humans. Its black body has white or yellow chain markings.

Habitat
Pine and hardwood forests, swamps, and stream edges
Diet
Snakes, lizards, rodents, and turtle eggs
How common
Common

Best time to see a Eastern Kingsnake

The best time to see a Eastern Kingsnake is April–June, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 30,301 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Eastern Kingsnake sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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