Eastern Kingsnake 

Lampropeltis getula getula

by Justin Milligan 

Wildwood Park is home to a large variety of animals, including the Eastern Kingsnake or Lampropeltis getula getula. The Eastern Kingsnake is generally considered to be a secretive species; it is not as commonly seen in the wild as most other snakes, as it is usually hiding. If you happen to spot one, the Eastern Kingsnake can give you quite a scare considering it ranges in length from 3 to 6 feet long. Despite their size, they are generally very docile so you have nothing to fear as long as you refrain from pestering the animal. The best chance of encountering these snakes is in the spring or summer especially after heavy rains. They are generally most active in the daytime; however, some are also known to be active at night, particularly when it is extremely hot during the day.  Eastern Kingsnakes vary with regards to their markings and coloration from place to place. Usually, the snake is a shiny black with a criss-cross pattern of white or yellow lines and the stomach is checkered in black and yellow. The Eastern Kingsnake is also sometimes referred to as the “Chain” kingsnake. They get this name from the chain-like pattern that runs the length of their body. The Eastern Kingsnake is an adaptable snake that is seen in a variety of different habitats ranging from pinelands, to oak hammocks, hardwood forests, bottomlands, tidal wetlands and swamps. They are also known to set up home in more populated areas such as farmlands. Kingsnakes are non-venomous constrictors that have quite a variety in their diet. They will eat anything from birds, to lizards, frogs, toads, rodents, or eggs. However, what separates Eastern Kingsnakes from other snakes is their ability to kill and eat other snakes, including poisonous species like cottonmouths and rattlesnakes, because of their natural immunity to pit viper venom. The venom from most snakes has little effect on them. The Eastern Kingsnake is a native to the Eastern United States and can be found as far north as southern New Jersey and as far south as northern Florida.

Written spring 2004, as a service learning project for Dr. Gary Coté's Biology 102 class at Radford University.  Copyright Pathways for Radford.