Vertebrates

Browse our Q&A about birds, eggs, nests, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals of the Central Coast and Channel Islands.

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.

Ted, Goleta - April 16, 2018

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