Watch a bold snake casually swim across a flooded California street

One of the North American states that can experience extreme drought is California. Although the Golden State is known for gorgeous scenery like Big Sur, the star-studded Walk of Fame, and plenty of sunshine, it still needs plenty of rain.

During the winter of 2023, California saw quite a bit of rain. While this initially sounds like a good thing, too much rain can cause just as many problems as too little rain. Certain parts of the city of Petaluma are susceptible to flooding after heavy rains because floodwaters can inundate parking lots, pedestrian bridges, overpasses, and basements, as well as cover low-lying roads.

The City has policies to control a flood emergency and regulate the floodplain. A video uploaded to Youtube is gaining ground after a resident filmed something peculiar in the flood waters!

Crissy Pascual is a photographer for Argus-Courier and captured a large California kingsnake slithering down Petaluma Boulevard North. Don Frances posted a stunning photo of the snake in the water on Twitter.

Most of California, the surrounding states, and northern Mexico are home to California kingsnakes. They will survive in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, forests, shrubs, and deserts.

One thing that is unique about this situation in Petaluma is that California kingsnakes are not seen too often during the winter months. These snakes brood over the winter by hiding in crevices or behind rocks, wood, or other shelter.

Webster’s dictionary defines brumation as, “Being in a lethargic state, somewhat analogous to hibernation but not the same.”

California Kingsnake Facts

Unlike ambush hunters, California kingsnakes are active. They don’t wait for their next meal to arrive; instead, they go in search of food. Despite being mostly terrestrial, they can swim and climb trees.

Known predators of the kingsnake include skunks, foxes, hawks, and other raptors. This species of snake will hiss, flick its tail, and curl up into a ball for protection when intimidated.

The California kingsnake is one of the most beloved snakes kept in captivity due to its ease of care and variety of colors. These snakes typically have yellowish-white stripes running down their dark brown or black bodies. .

The nickname “king” relates to its propensity to hunt and consume other snakes, especially the dangerous rattlesnakes that are often native to their natural environment. Although California kingsnakes are generally diurnal, they may begin to spend more time at night during especially hot conditions.

Although considered non-lethal to humans, this species has been known to bite when handled and expel musk and feces from its cloaca. You will find these slider snakes breeding in the spring.

They will typically lay between five and 12 eggs in what is called a clutch. While there’s no way to know, we hope the snake in this video has found solid ground and a log to hide in for the rest of the winter!

Until next time