Baja California Rat Snake

Bogertophis rosaliae

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

A big eyed, brownish, to reddish, constricting, primarily Mexican serpent that may or may not occur in the USA. The belly is off-white to yellow or tan. The single specimen known and confirmed from CA was collected dead-on-the-road 2.4 mi E of Mountain Springs, on I-8 Imperial County, California. It was found on May 26th 1984. This species attains 4-4 ½’ in length. Pupil round. Oviparous. The hatchlings are dark, have light lines across the back and often have a reddish head. At least a vestige of the pattern continues well into midsize. Adult size is about 5’

 

Unique Features:

A big eyed, brownish, to reddish, snake that is known in the USA from only a single example

 

Habitat and Diet:

Rock and boulder strewn desert regions. Prey preferences are small mammals, birds, and lizards.

 

Geographic Range:

CA,