Coast Patch-nosed Snake

Salvadora hexalepis virgultea

The patch-nosed snake gets it's name from an enlarged rostral scale covering it's snout. This is the only species of special concern in the Santa Monica Mountains. Technically this snake is venomous to it's prey, but harmless to humans. Found in scrubland and chapparal habitats with sandy soil. It's diet is mostly from whiptail lizards and their eggs, so is often found where whiptails are. Active year round, most active March - May