Brooks’ King Snake
Scientific Name Lampropeltis getula brooksi
Native To South Florida
Habitat Farmlands, swamps and everglades
Diet Carnivore: lizards, mice, rats and other snakes (even venomous ones)
Size and Age Males will typically reach 1.2-1.8 m (4-6 ft) and are slightly larger than females.
Natural History
Brooks’ kingsnakes are a subspecies of the Florida kingsnake and are known for their distinctive parchment colouration. Brooks’ kingsnakes are burrowers, using their flat, shovel-like heads to push aside dirt and ground debris to find shelter and food. They are excellent swimmers, allowing them to hunt on land and in water. When it comes to prey, they are commonly known to feed on other snakes, including venomous snakes, which is why they are called ‘king’ snakes.
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Proper care is required to keep a kingsnake healthy. Many reptiles, including kingsnakes, are turned over to rescue groups or simply released into the wild. If you want to have a reptile as a pet, please consider getting one from a rescue centre.
Interesting Facts
- They are diurnal (awake during the day), however, in extreme heat they will seek shelter during the day.
- If threatened they will hiss and shake their tails, mimicking rattlesnakes, and even use their poop to defend themselves.
- Unlike many snakes, they do not hibernate during the winter.
