The Desert Kingsnake (formerly known as the Sonora Kingsnake) ranges from central and south Texas westward, across southern New Mexico, to southeastern Arizona, southward to San Luis Potosi and Zacatecas, Mexico. In Mexico it ranges as far west as the state of Sonora. Adults generally attain lengths of 36 to 45 inches with a record length of 60 inches. This handsome snake is usually active only during the late afternoon and evening hours. It is secretive, spending much of its time hiding beneath logs and debris. When encountered in the wild it is a very nervous animal, vibrating its tail rapidly and putting on a valiant defensive display. The Desert Kingsnake is a powerful constrictor feeding upon other snakes (including rattlesnakes), lizards, birds and small mammals. On occasions it has also been reported to feed upon frogs. It appears to be immune to the venom of native venomous snakes, upon which it feeds.
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