Vertebrates
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Exotic snake with bright red?
Help!
I found a little snake in my house! It was olive green with a red band around the neck and a bright red underside. Never seen one before around here. Is this some kind of exotic invader? I feel like that kind of color is usually a warning, so I’m guessing it was something dangerous. I kept my distance.
Curator Response
Hi Ted,
Sounds like you met a Ring-necked Snake. They are venomous, but only dangerous to insects, and totally harmless to humans. And surprisingly, they aren’t exotic at all, but native to California! Meeting one is a great educational opportunity to show your kids a beautiful snake that’s not scary at all. If you are gentle, you can safely handle them and escort them outside.
Krista Fahy, Curator of Vertebrate Zoology
