California Kingsnake

Lampropeltis getula californiae

This medium to large snake is found in most habitats in the region, but favors savannah grasslands and chapparal. It has an elongate, muscular body, with alternating dark and light bands, dark bands typically larger than light.
In the Santa Monica Mountains, most have black and white stripes, but some are chocolate and yellow striped. Actve year round, most active March - May.