Meet the 13 Snakes of California’s Merced River

The Merced River is a tributary of the San Joaquin River in central California. The 145-mile-long river flows from the agricultural plains of the San Joaquin Valley in Merced County to the Yosemite Valley in Mariposa County. However, the Merced River is greatest recognized for swiftly operating by way of Yosemite National Park. Of the numerous animals within the park, the snakes of Merced River are misunderstood and underappreciated.

Yosemite National Park is a large and biodiverse nature protect home to 22 totally different reptile species,13 of that are snakes. With a glaciated panorama but loads of volcanic and metamorphic rocks alongside the Merced River and its watershed, snakes play a key function within the park and the river’s delicate ecosystems. Here are the 13 snakes of the Merced River.

1. Common Garter Snake

Most of the snakes you could find within the Merced River are garter snakes. The frequent garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is a daily sight in Yosemite National Park and the riverbeds, together with two different garter snake species.

Many different forms of snakes, like colubrids and rattlesnakes, are current within the park and Merced River. You’ll discover an amazing variety of garter snakes as a result of garter snake species are particularly fecund. Unlike most snakes, they reproduce by way of stay delivery with 30-40 infants born at a time.

Common garter snakes may be simply differentiated from the opposite garter snakes of the Merced River. Most of them have three mild stripes that run alongside their our bodies, with darker pores and skin beneath.

The frequent garter snake thrives in moist environments like streams, wetlands, marshes, and ponds. These snakes are adept at catching quick aquatic prey like fish and tadpoles. They additionally like bugs, leeches, slugs, snails, and earthworms, among the many different invertebrates they’ll discover alongside the Merced River’s shores.

If You Encounter This Snake

Garter snakes are innocent. If you need to fish within the Merced River, Lake Merced, or any ponds, they’re extra more likely to slither away than attack. Since garter snakes give stay delivery, you don’t want to fret about disturbing eggs or nests. However, they nonetheless have a nasty chew if you happen to come into contact with one. Garter snakes have weak venom that solely incapacitates smaller animals somewhat than people. However, their bites may be extreme sufficient to require medical consideration.

2. Sierra Garter Snake

Also often known as Couch’s garter snake, the Sierra garter snake (Thamnophis couchii) simply differentiates itself from its frequent garter snake cousin. Garter snakes love water as it’s, however the Sierra garter snake is much more aquatic.

With an extended and thicker physique than the frequent garter snake, the Sierra garter snake can swim by way of the tough waters of the Merced River. This snake simply adapts to streams and riverbeds, the place it dines on amphibians like frogs, toads, and salamanders with some fish for selection.

The bigger and longer physique is often the primary strategy to inform the distinction between the Sierra garter snake and different garter snakes. It additionally usually lacks these distinctive stripes frequent garter snakes have. Its markings could also be darkish spots or muted stripes.

If You Encounter This Snake

As is the case with frequent garter snakes, the Sierra garter snake isn’t apt to harm you except you disturb its habitat. Since these snakes are highly effective swimmers, you may see one within the water if you happen to go rafting. It’s greatest to go away it alone since they’ve lengthy, curved enamel and delicate venom.

3. Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

Of the three garter snake species residing close to the Merced River, the western terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans) is probably the most difficult for each reptile hobbyists {and professional} herpetologists. There are so many variations of the western terrestrial garter snake that it may be troublesome to appropriately determine them. At least six subspecies have been recognized, such because the mountain garter snake and San Pedro Mártir garter snake. These snakes may be extremely colourful or black or darkish brown with crimson, yellow, orange, or white dorsal and facet stripes.

The western terrestrial garter snake can thrive in almost any elevation, which is why they take so nicely to Yosemite. It produces a lot smaller broods than the frequent garter snake, solely about 8-12 child snakes, so that you received’t see this snake as usually. As the title implies, this snake prefers terrestrial environments and doesn’t spend as a lot time within the river as its cousins. Western terrestrial garter snakes eat related prey like amphibians, fish, and bugs, however in addition they eat terrestrial animals like small mammals and lizards. 3

The western terrestrial garter snake is the one garter snake species recognized to constrict prey. Their constriction isn’t as efficient as a boa or gopher snake.

If You Encounter This Snake

As is the case with the opposite garter snake species of the Merced River, the western terrestrial garter snake is innocent. Unlike its cousins, nonetheless, its venom is barely stronger. Their venom is unlikely to harm people, however their chew can puncture pores and skin.

4. Pacific Gopher Snake

Often mistaken for a rattlesnake due to their diamond sample and related defensive behaviors, the Pacific gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer) is also referred to as a bull snake. They’ll even vibrate their tails equally! They’re additionally among the many largest snakes in Yosemite, topping out round 4 ft.

They get their title from gophers being their favourite snack. Pacific gopher snakes are a vital a part of the Merced River’s ecosystem as a result of they hold the rodent inhabitants in examine. They borrow nests from gophers and floor squirrels to have a secure place to put eggs and an computerized meals supply.

If You Encounter This Snake

The Pacific gopher snake may be mistaken for a rattlesnake. While you’ll need to give each snakes their house, you possibly can inform the 2 aside by the tail. Gopher snakes don’t have black and white bands on their tails, or rattles for that matter. They even have smaller and narrower heads in comparison with rattlesnakes.

Unlike rattlesnakes, Pacific gopher snakes should not venomous. They will puff up and vibrate their tails in a defensive pose however won’t strike with bared enamel like a rattlesnake. They hold their mouths closed. You’re more likely to encounter one by chance in a pile of leaves. If this occurs, again up and present you’re not a menace. This can calm the snake down, even making it potential to deal with. You ought to solely do that if in case you have expertise dealing with massive reptiles. With lengthy and curved enamel, a gopher snake chew can require stitches.

5. Northern Rubber Boa

The northern rubber boa is a uncommon sight in Yosemite. Most boas stay in South America; the northern rubber boa is the northernmost boa species. Like the garter snakes, they provide stay delivery however have tiny broods of 1-5 infants. Female rubber boas solely reproduce as much as each 4 years. They are additionally solely lively at nightfall and daybreak, making them more durable to look at within the wild.

This snake is the closest you’re going to get to encountering a ball python within the wild, and ball pythons are probably the most docile snakes. Just like ball pythons, rubber boas curl up right into a ball as a defensive mechanism. This is, sadly, ineffective in opposition to coyotes, birds of prey, and even raccoons. Raptors and different massive birds that drink from the Merced River usually make a meal of this snake.

In flip, the northern rubber boa is just not a lot of a predator. They eat snake, lizard, and chook eggs, together with young mammals like child mice. When navigating the riverbanks, rubber boas additionally eat salamanders and frogs.

If You Encounter This Snake

If you’ve got the unimaginable luck of seeing a northern rubber boa, this can be very unlikely to harm you. Like a ball python, it’ll simply curl up in a ball, and it isn’t venomous. Subsequently, you may be capable to deal with one frivolously, however they’re apt to slither away from teams of people.

6. California Kingsnake

The California kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) is a really distinctive snake with a protracted, skinny physique of alternating darkish and light-weight horizontal bands. Kingsnakes are extremely mild, which is why they’re well-liked within the reptile pastime.

The California kingsnake is a really opportunistic feeder. It eats rodents, birds, lizards, and amphibians alongside the Merced River banks. While removed from the one reptile that eats different reptiles, the California kingsnake is understood to eat rattlesnakes. While they like a floor squirrel dinner or a toad, these snakes goal rattlesnakes over different snakes when meals is scarce. California kingsnakes are resistant to rattlesnake venom regardless of missing venom themselves.

California kingsnakes use highly effective constriction to kill their prey. Relative to physique measurement, this makes them much more highly effective than boa constrictors.

If You Encounter This Snake

California kingsnakes are extremely mild. You’re most probably to seek out one in a pile of leaves, and it’ll bluff being a much bigger and extra highly effective snake. While it’ll settle down in a couple of minutes, you continue to threat a minor chew if you happen to deal with it. Kingsnakes will even launch a smelly musk and their cloacal contents as a protection mechanism, so that you threat smelling of snake poop the complete hike.

7. Coral-Bellied Ring-Necked Snake

The coral-bellied ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus pulchellus) is a particular colubrid that’s simple to determine. Just search for a grey again, a brilliant coral-red stomach, and a small black head separated by an orange band (its ring).

Many different variants and subspecies of ring-necked snakes are discovered all through California and different elements of North America. The coral-bellied selection is seen probably the most in inland California. This snake likes to burrow in moist areas, like riverbanks and the moist areas of woodlands. Coral-bellied ring-necked snakes can stay at greater elevations in hilly areas like Yosemite. They desire decrease elevations the place they’ll build snake dens that get hotter than their physique temperature.

Ample cowl like leaves, useless wooden, and woodland scraps are essential elements of building a correct snake den. Coral-bellied ring-necked snakes desire to share their dens with different snakes however stay alone if they should. Maintaining a correct forest ground is essential for these snakes to contribute to the Merced River’s ecosystem.

These snakes eat prey that thrive in moist riverbanks, like salamanders, worms, froglets, and tiny tree toads. They will even feast on child snakes if meals is scarce.

If You Encounter This Snake

The coral-bellied ring-necked snake is as lengthy and skinny as a ingesting straw. They’re extremely quick and more likely to run from people. Even if you happen to catch one, they aren’t more likely to chew you and may be frivolously dealt with. Their venom isn’t sturdy sufficient to harm people.

8. Western Blue Racer

Of the totally different colubrids discovered alongside the Merced River, the blue racer snake (Coluber constrictor foxii) is among the many most distinctive. Many North American racer subspecies are noticed in and close to Yosemite, however the blue racer snake is a uncommon deal with.

Blue snakes of any kind are uncommon, and the blue racer snake is straightforward to determine primarily based on its white stomach with blue scales on high. The blue scales may be wherever from gray-blue to brilliant mild blue.

Blue racer snakes are opportunistic eaters and adaptable to totally different environments with a choice for our bodies of water. They eat bugs, frogs, toads, and rodents plus smaller reptiles like turtles, lizards, and different snakes. Racers wish to be close to water just like the Merced River, however they’re expert climbers able to scaling bushes to eat chook eggs and young birds. Despite having “constrictor” of their scientific title, blue racer snakes don’t use constriction.

In flip, owls and raptors wish to dine on blue racer snakes.

If You Encounter This Snake

Blue racer snakes are innocent. They aren’t venomous and usually tend to slither away in the event that they encounter a a lot bigger creature like a human. However, if you happen to attempt to deal with one within the wild, they’re more likely to chew you. Blue racer bites often don’t require medical consideration, nevertheless it’ll harm.

9. Alameda Whipsnake

The California whipsnake (Masticophis lateralis) lives in many various biomes in California. This colubrid is similar to racer snakes appearance-wise. The California whipsnake prefers arid areas and navigating brush to seek out prey and keep away from predators.

The Alameda whipsnake was often known as the California striped whipsnake. It is distinguished by the yellow stripes operating down its sides that distinction its orange and black physique. Endemic to the Yosemite space, the Merced River watershed is the one place to seek out Alameda whipsnakes.

Alameda whipsnakes come to creeks and riverbanks to feast on small mammals and bugs. Their favourite meals is small lizards like western fence lizards, however in addition they eat rattlesnakes.

If You Encounter This Snake

The Alameda whipsnake is endangered, and seeing one within the wild is extremely uncommon. They should not venomous or apt to severely harm you. However, they don’t like dealing with and can stay as much as their title by tail-whipping you.

10. California Night Snake

The California evening snake (Hypsiglena ochrorhynchus nuchalata) is also referred to as the noticed evening snake and San Diego evening snake. It is a small colubrid with coloration designed to mix in with its habitat. They are roughly the identical measurement as a ballpoint pen.

As the title implies, these snakes are nocturnal. They like to cover beneath flat rocks and prey on small lizards and snakes. It is uncommon to come across one close to the Merced River, the place they eat young lizards and comfortable bugs at evening.

If You Encounter This Snake

Since the California evening snake solely comes out at evening and is extremely small, you might be unlikely to see one in any respect. People who discover them throughout the day solely accomplish this by choosing up massive flat rocks. Moving massive rocks within the wilderness disrupts pure habitats, so they need to be left alone.

In the uncommon occasion you encounter a California evening snake, it’s innocent and apt to shortly slither away. If you handle to catch one, will probably be offended however received’t trigger a severe damage.

11. Sharp-Tailed Snake

The sharp-tailed snake (Contia tenuis) is the world’s smallest colubrid. It’s additionally the smallest snake species discovered alongside the Merced River. Also often known as a worm snake, the reddish-brown sharp-tailed snake is shorter than a typical necklace chain: 12-18 inches.

The sharp-tailed snake lives as much as its title as a result of its tail tapers into a pointy level like a skewer. The scales round its tail rework into a pointy backbone.

This snake makes use of its sharp tail like a fork to eat spaghetti. Because of its small measurement, the sharp-tailed snake subsists off of slugs, worms, and slug eggs. The backbone on its tail stabilizes the comfortable, juicy slugs so it will possibly eat extra simply.

Being such a small snake, sharp-tailed snakes are prey for lizards, frogs, and bigger snakes like racers.

If You Encounter This Snake

Sharp-tailed snakes are innocent and reclusive. It prefers the quilt of leaf litter, massive rocks, and snake dens to cover from its many predators. Soft, moist soil is a most popular burrowing spot, which is why sharp-tailed snakes usually seem close to the Merced River. Because these snakes are sufficiently small to be mistaken for worms, they’ll’t actually harm people. If you do discover one, it’ll slither away shortly.

12. California Mountain Kingsnake

The California mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata) is a colubrid that appears almost precisely like a lethal coral snake. However, this colubrid is completely innocent.

There are a number of subspecies of the California mountain kingsnake. This snake is straightforward to determine primarily based on its brilliant coral-red, white, and black horizontal bands.

California mountain kingsnakes thrive on rocky slopes close to our bodies of water like Mirror Lake and the Merced River. Like their different kingsnake cousins, they wish to eat rattlesnakes and feast upon skinks and different small lizards. They additionally eat rodents; their favorites are the mice and gophers within the woodlands close to the river.

If You Encounter This Snake

Like different kingsnakes, the California mountain kingsnake could be very mild. They are well-liked within the reptile pastime for his or her docile temperant and exquisite colours. While you shouldn’t take this snake home as a pet, they’re amenable to some dealing with within the wild and unlikely to chew you.

They aren’t venomous, in contrast to the coral snakes they mimic. There are not any coral snakes within the San Joaquin Valley, so that you received’t deal with a particularly venomous snake by mistake.

13. Western Rattlesnake

The western rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) is the one venomous snake in Yosemite. A kind of pit viper, these snakes have lengthy been feared for his or her venom, which is understood to trigger well being issues in people. While they rattle their tails as a menacing warning, these snakes truly aren’t that large: solely about so long as a yardstick.

The western rattlesnake makes use of its facial pits to detect warmth and find prey. Small mammals like rodents and rabbits are this snake’s favourite meals. They additionally eat birds, eggs, lizards, and amphibians that stay within the Merced River and close to its banks. Western rattlesnakes have pure predators like kingsnakes, bobcats, coyotes, and birds of prey which might be proof against their venom.

Like garter snakes, rattlesnakes give stay delivery as an alternative of laying eggs, however they aren’t as fecund. You aren’t more likely to encounter large dens of western rattlesnakes as a result of they don’t breed in such large numbers.

If You Encounter This Snake

Western rattlesnakes do have potent venom. They additionally don’t at all times audibly rattle their tails as a warning earlier than they strike, however they do coil. These snakes don’t run after people, so if you happen to see one from a distance and keep distant, try to be fantastic. Your greatest threat in encountering a western rattlesnake is by accident stepping on one, then it bites you in retaliation.

While a rattlesnake chew is hardly a fascinating consequence, the excellent news is that western rattlesnakes preserve their venom for prey. Humans are too large to be appetizing prey for a three-foot snake. There’s solely a 30-40% likelihood the chew will inject venom. Although for most individuals, that’s 30-40% too excessive. 

If you need to mitigate this threat, don’t put your palms close to cracks and holes in rocks when taking a relaxation. You must also pack first help kits with anti-venom remedies. Make positive you know the way to correctly use them earlier than your journey, particularly if you happen to’re going off the overwhelmed path. Staying on the primary trails with extra folks reduces your possibilities of discovering rattlesnakes.