California King Snake

California king snake is one very unique species as individual features are identified from one specimen to another particularly in terms of pattern and colors. Thus, the morphology variability makes the California king snake more difficult to identify correctly when lacking complete knowledge about the possible variations. Thus, some snakes could be dark-brown ground color with a yellow stripe in the mid of the back, while other California king snake varieties could be dark brown but with yellow or whitish rings disposed in a perpendicular body pattern. A more clear description can be made when analyzing the size of the snake: it can be up to 70 inches long, with a two or three inch split tail.

California king snake varieties are no different from other snake sub-categories or group in the unhinging of the lower jaw. Without this anatomical advantage, the snake couldn't swallow a prey that is usually larger than the predator's diameter. In terms of behavior, California king snake prefers hidden corners in solitary natural background where the possibility to encounter larger predators is lower. It feeds on small animals like frogs, lizards, rodents and even little birds. The only period when California king snake looks for the company of its species mates is winter when these creatures hibernate together in large numbers.

California king snake specimens are known for their eating each other or feeding even on venomous snakes. This is a non-poisonous species that loops around, constricts and then squeezes the prey until it suffocates it. As for the consume of poisonous snakes, in the past scientists believed that snakes are generally immune to venom, now discoveries indicate not immunity but high tolerance towards it. Biting could be a problem for the encounter of a California king snake and a human, but the snake will only attack if if feels threatened.

Among the flaws of California king snake, poor eyesight and low quality focus could be counted; these small problems are due to the anatomical position of the snake's eyes on the lateral parts of the head. If the prey is smart enough to stay still in the presence of this California king snake, it has higher chances to remain unspotted. Movement is the element that makes hunting possible for the snake but it is worth saying that this creature has a very well-developed sense of hearing as it can identify low frequency sounds and various vibrations. Definitely such abilities make hunting a lot easier.

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