Are There Snakes in Los Angeles?
Yes, snakes live throughout the Los Angeles area, particularly in hills, canyons, and natural preserves. The region's Mediterranean climate and diverse habitats support multiple snake species. Most snakes are harmless, though rattlesnakes do live in wild areas. Understanding which snakes share the LA landscape and how to coexist safely with them matters for residents and visitors exploring the area.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 23, 2026.
California Red-sided Garter Snake · kclarksdnhmorg CC BY
San Francisco Garter Snake · Amy CC BY-ND
Western Yellow-bellied Racer · Jonathan Eisen CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 551
- GBIF records
- May, April, June
- peak months
Yes, snakes are in California. Next you'll want:
Verified species, source iNaturalist
46 types of snakes recorded in California
46 snake species have a verified observation record in California across snakes (suborder Serpentes), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
3 of the 46 shown are recorded as introduced to California rather than native, and 2 are endemic to California, found here and effectively nowhere else.
1
2
3
4
5- 6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Also recorded in California
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | North American RacerNativeColuber constrictor | Coluber constrictor | 2,823 |
| 14 | Two-striped Garter SnakeNativeThamnophis hammondii | Thamnophis hammondii | 2,709 |
| 15 | SidewinderNativeCrotalus cerastes | Crotalus cerastes | 2,609 |
| 16 | Coastal Rosy BoaNativeLichanura orcutti | Lichanura orcutti | 2,379 |
| 17 | Northern Rubber BoaNativeCharina bottae | Charina bottae | 2,209 |
| 18 | Western Glossy SnakeNativeArizona occidentalis | Arizona occidentalis | 1,581 |
| 19 | Coast Night SnakeNativeHypsiglena ochrorhynchus | Hypsiglena ochrorhynchus | 1,397 |
| 20 | Sierra Garter SnakeNativeThamnophis couchii | Thamnophis couchii | 1,379 |
| 21 | Western Patch-nosed SnakeNativeSalvadora hexalepis | Salvadora hexalepis | 1,221 |
| 22 | Mojave RattlesnakeNativeCrotalus scutulatus | Crotalus scutulatus | 1,084 |
| 23 | Coast Mountain KingsnakeNativeLampropeltis multifasciata | Lampropeltis multifasciata | 1,073 |
| 24 | Long-nosed SnakeNativeRhinocheilus lecontei | Rhinocheilus lecontei | 1,024 |
| 25 | California Mountain KingsnakeNativeLampropeltis zonata | Lampropeltis zonata | 935 |
| 26 | Western Leaf-nosed SnakeNativePhyllorhynchus decurtatus | Phyllorhynchus decurtatus | 751 |
| 27 | Mojave Shovelnose SnakeNativeSonora occipitalis | Sonora occipitalis | 627 |
| 28 | California LyresnakeNativeTrimorphodon lyrophanes | Trimorphodon lyrophanes | 548 |
| 29 | Colorado Desert Shovelnose SnakeNativeSonora annulata | Sonora annulata | 514 |
| 30 | Western ThreadsnakeNativeRena humilis | Rena humilis | 500 |
| 31 | Panamint RattlesnakeNativeCrotalus stephensi | Crotalus stephensi | 489 |
| 32 | Forest Sharp-tailed SnakeNativeContia longicauda | Contia longicauda | 474 |
| 33 | Brahminy BlindsnakeIntroducedIndotyphlops braminus | Indotyphlops braminus | 463 |
| 34 | Western Black-headed SnakeNativeTantilla planiceps | Tantilla planiceps | 439 |
| 35 | Desert NightsnakeNativeHypsiglena chlorophaea | Hypsiglena chlorophaea | 273 |
| 36 | Western Diamond-backed RattlesnakeNativeCrotalus atrox | Crotalus atrox | 220 |
| 37 | Northwestern Garter SnakeNativeThamnophis ordinoides | Thamnophis ordinoides | 142 |
| 38 | Striped WhipsnakeNativeMasticophis taeniatus | Masticophis taeniatus | 111 |
| 39 | Baja California CoachwhipNativeMasticophis fuliginosus | Masticophis fuliginosus | 90 |
| 40 | Giant Garter SnakeEndemicThamnophis gigas | Thamnophis gigas | 73 |
| 41 | Southern Rubber BoaEndemicCharina umbratica | Charina umbratica | 71 |
| 42 | Ground SnakeNativeSonora semiannulata | Sonora semiannulata | 70 |
| 43 | Southwestern Blackhead SnakeNativeTantilla hobartsmithi | Tantilla hobartsmithi | 40 |
| 44 | Banded WatersnakeIntroducedNerodia fasciata | Nerodia fasciata | 24 |
| 45 | Checkered Garter SnakeNativeThamnophis marcianus | Thamnophis marcianus | 18 |
| 46 | Red CornsnakeIntroducedPantherophis guttatus | Pantherophis guttatus | 15 |
Plus 18 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
153,623 verified observations on iNaturalist of snake have been recorded in California, most often in May, April, June.
When snake are recorded in California
Yes, snakes live throughout the Los Angeles area, particularly in hills, canyons, and natural preserves. The region's Mediterranean climate and diverse habitats support multiple snake species. Most snakes are harmless, though rattlesnakes do live in wild areas. Understanding which snakes share the LA landscape and how to coexist safely with them matters for residents and visitors exploring the area.
Where Snakes Are Found Around Los Angeles
Snakes live throughout the Los Angeles metropolitan area with concentrations varying by habitat type. The hills and mountains surrounding LA support the densest populations. Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America, is a significant snake habitat with numerous trails and natural areas. The Santa Monica Mountains extending from downtown LA west to Malibu host strong snake populations across their canyons and slopes. Topanga Canyon, a favorite hiking destination in the Hollywood Hills, is prime snake country. Runyon Canyon in the Hollywood Hills sees regular snake encounters from hikers and residents. Mulholland Drive and the ridgelines above Hollywood hold snakes in chaparral habitat. Echo Park and nearby neighborhoods in central LA report seasonal snakes. Elysian Park northeast of downtown contains natural habitat supporting snakes. The Los Angeles River corridor, though urban, attracts snakes in its riparian sections. Long Beach areas with natural habitat and coastal bluffs see occasional snakes. Silver Lake and other reservoir areas around LA provide water sources attracting snakes. Downtown LA itself has fewer snakes than surrounding hills and natural areas but they do appear in parks and green spaces. Suburban neighborhoods with pools, gardens, and landscaping throughout the metro see occasional snakes. The interface between urban and wild areas is where most LA residents encounter snakes. Learning to recognize snake habitats helps you anticipate encounters in specific locations. For more on snake in California, see ourCalifornia snake guide.
Seasonal Activity and Timing
Snake activity in Los Angeles follows California's Mediterranean seasonal pattern. Spring, March through May, brings peak snake activity as temperatures warm. This is mating season when snakes are most active and visible. Late spring through early summer sees continued high activity as snakes hunt and disperse. Summer heat intensifies from June through August, pushing snakes toward cooler microclimates, often in canyons and shaded areas. Early morning and late afternoon are peak activity times during hot months. Fall, September through November, brings renewed snake activity as temperatures moderate. Snakes hunt actively before cooler winter months arrive. Winter from December through February sees reduced snake activity but not complete dormancy. Southern California's mild winters mean snakes can still emerge on warm, sunny days. Coastal areas and lower elevations stay warmer, supporting more winter activity than inland mountains. Heavy rains can activate snakes across all seasons as they seek water and displaced prey. Wet weather in winter and early spring sometimes brings snakes into unexpected locations. Dusk and dawn are consistently prime activity times across all seasons. Midday heat in summer and fall can suppress snake visibility despite high populations present. Understanding these patterns helps residents anticipate high-risk times for encountering snakes on trails and in yards. You can also browseCalifornia wildlife.
How to Identify Local Snakes
Los Angeles snakes display considerable size and color variation, but key features aid identification. Pacific rattlesnakes, the venomous species found in LA wild areas, are thick-bodied with diamond-shaped blotches along the back. They range from tan to brown to reddish and typically reach two to four feet long. Garter snakes are slim, dark, with three light stripes running lengthwise and are among the most common LA snakes. Gopher snakes are large, reaching three to four feet, usually tan or brown with darker blotches. They are commonly mistaken for rattlesnakes but lack the rattle. Kingsnakes are stocky, dark-colored snakes with light bands or stripes, known for hunting other snakes. Racers are fast-moving, slender snakes usually dark gray or brown. Whip snakes are extremely slender and fast, often seen crossing roads or open ground. Brown snakes are small, secretive snakes often found in urban gardens and under debris. Pacific rattlesnakes have vertical pupils, as do most venomous snakes, though pupils are hard to see at distance. Harmless snakes typically have round pupils. Never rely on pupil shape alone for identification. TheCalifornia wildlife guideincludes detailed photos and identification keys for confident snake identification in the LA area.
Where Sightings Concentrate
Specific Los Angeles locations consistently report more snake activity due to favorable habitat conditions. Griffith Park stands out as the prime snake viewing location in the city, with miles of trails passing through various habitats. The Observatory trail and areas around Griffith Observatory see regular snake encounters. Runyon Canyon, popular with hikers, reports consistent snake sightings, especially during spring and early summer. The Santa Monica Mountains trails, including those in Topanga Canyon, pass through excellent snake habitat. Mulholland Drive and adjacent ridgelines host Pacific rattlesnakes and other species in chaparral habitat. The Los Angeles River's riparian sections, particularly in less developed stretches, attract water-associated snakes. Echo Park's natural areas and nearby Silver Lake support garter snakes and other species. Elysian Park's oak woodland habitat provides reliable snake presence. Malibu coastal canyons and surrounding areas maintain excellent snake populations. The interface between residential neighborhoods and wild areas sees the most conflicts and encounters. Hiking trails in the Santa Monica Mountains, especially those gaining elevation, pass through concentrated snake habitat. Early morning hikes, when snakes are actively hunting, increase encounter likelihood. Most residential sightings happen when snakes accidentally enter yards or garages while seeking food or shelter. Staying alert in these known areas and understanding why snakes concentrate in specific locations helps you manage encounters responsibly. See all of ourwildlife guides.
Typical Snake Behavior and Diet
Los Angeles snakes serve important ecological roles throughout the region's diverse habitats. Garter snakes hunt small fish, frogs, insects, and small rodents, often in riparian and wet areas. Gopher snakes actively hunt rodents and are considered beneficial for controlling pest populations. Kingsnakes hunt other snakes, including venomous species. Racers hunt small lizards, insects, and occasionally small snakes and rodents. Whip snakes primarily eat small lizards and insects in open areas. Pacific rattlesnakes hunt small mammals like ground squirrels and rodents, especially at dawn and dusk. Brown snakes hunt insects, small invertebrates, and tiny vertebrates in urban gardens. Most snakes are ambush predators that wait patiently for prey to approach. Rattlesnakes rest in rocky areas waiting for passing prey. Gopher snakes climb trees and enter buildings searching for rodents. Social behavior is minimal outside mating season. Most snakes are solitary. Some species gather at communal shelters during cooler months, though this is less common in temperate LA. Snakes communicate through hissing, tail vibration, and musk production when threatened. Most LA snakes are quite shy and flee from human contact. Rattlesnakes rattle as a warning before striking, providing clear notice. Observing snakes in natural settings helps you appreciate their ecological importance and develop comfort with their presence in the landscape.
Safety and Coexistence in Los Angeles
Living safely with snakes in Los Angeles means understanding their role and respecting basic safety protocols. Pacific rattlesnakes are venomous and deserve careful handling, but they are shy and avoid confrontation. They rattle as a warning before striking, giving you time to retreat. Bites are rare when you keep your distance and avoid stepping or reaching near potential hiding spots. Wear protective footwear when hiking and watch where you step. Most nonvenomous LA snakes are beneficial and actively hunt rodents that might damage your property or spread disease. Encountering a snake in your home is relatively uncommon but can happen. If a snake enters through an open door or window, open nearby windows and doors to provide an escape route. The snake will typically leave on its own. For snakes in basements, attics, or crawl spaces, contact a local wildlife removal service for safe relocation. California law protects native snakes, and killing them without a permit is illegal. To prevent snakes from visiting your property, eliminate rodent food sources, seal foundation gaps and cracks, keep vegetation trimmed back from structures, and remove woodpiles and debris. Consider installing rodent-proof containers for garbage and pet food. TheCalifornia wildlife guideand nationalwildlife resourcesprovide additional safety strategies for coexisting with LA's native snakes.
Common Species Confusion
Many Los Angeles snakes resemble each other, leading to frequent misidentification. Gopher snakes and Pacific rattlesnakes are the most commonly confused pair in the LA area. Gopher snakes are harmless but often killed because people mistake them for rattlesnakes. The key difference is the head shape. Rattlesnakes have distinctly triangular heads like vipers. Gopher snakes have more rounded heads. Rattlesnakes have a rattle at the tail end. Gopher snakes lack a rattle. Kingsnakes and racers can look similar in some cases but differ in behavior and body shape. Kingsnakes are stockier and move more slowly. Racers are extremely slender and move with remarkable speed. Garter snakes and small water snakes occupy similar habitats and can be confused, but garter snakes have three prominent light stripes. Whip snakes and racers are both fast and slender but differ in color and habitat preference. Brown snakes in urban gardens are sometimes mistaken for garter snakes due to similar size. The most important rule is to never assume a snake is harmless based on partial or distant observation. When in doubt, keep your distance and do not attempt to handle any snake. Using field guides specific to California snakes helps you identify species with confidence and avoid dangerous misidentifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Are snakes common in residential Los Angeles neighborhoods? Answer: Snakes are present throughout the LA metro area but more common near hills, canyons, and natural areas than in dense urban core neighborhoods. Most residential encounters happen when snakes pass through yards hunting for food or water. Homes on the edges of wild areas and those with vegetation and water features see more snakes than downtown locations. Question: How dangerous are rattlesnakes in Los Angeles? Answer: Pacific rattlesnakes are venomous and deserve respect and caution, but they are shy and avoid confrontation. They rattle as a warning before striking, giving you time to move away. Bites are uncommon when you keep your distance and wear protective footwear in snake country. Most snakes want to avoid humans. Question: What should I do if I see a snake while hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains or Griffith Park? Answer: Keep calm and back away slowly to give the snake an exit route. Most snakes flee when given the chance. Do not attempt to touch or photograph snakes at close range. If the snake is on the trail, wait a moment and it will likely move away. Stay alert and watch the ground ahead when hiking through tall chaparral. Question: How can I keep snakes away from my Los Angeles home? Answer: Eliminate rodent populations by securing trash and removing brush piles. Seal foundation cracks and gaps around utilities. Trim vegetation back from walls and keep gutters clean. Install rodent-proof fencing around garden beds. Remove standing water that attracts prey species. Consider professional pest control if rodent problems persist.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see snake in California: May, April, June
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your snake sighting in California
551 verified snake records have been logged in California. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in California
- Alcatraz Island · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Cabrillo National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Channel Islands National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Death Valley National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Devils Postpile National Monument · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Keep exploring
More places to see snake
More wildlife in California