The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is about three and a half feet long with alternating red, black, and white bands. The white bands are bordered by black bands. The black bands become wider mid-dorsally and often merge together at the midline of the back thereby "bridging" across the red bands. The black bands become more narrow on the lower sides and often disappear before reaching the belly. The head is noticeably wider than the neck and the snout is white or cream colored. The pupils are round and the scales are smooth and shiny. Its light colored snout distinguishes this snake from the similar looking Milksnake.
It is found in at elevations ranging from 3,000' to 9,000'. Its range extends from the extreme northwestern corner of Arizona, across the central mountains and Mogollon Rim country, into the Madrean Sky Island mountain ranges of southeastern Arizona. It prefers heavily wooded, rocky slopes or in steep canyon bottoms with abundant leaf-litter, fallen logs, and rocks. It also inhabits relatively open rolling hills and grasslands in transition zones.
The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is primarily diurnal but is occasionally found out on warm, moist nights. It is frequently encountered foraging in the mid-morning or just before sunset. It is primarily a ground-dweller but is adept at climbing and is occasionally encountered in trees or high on boulders. It hibernates during the cold months of late fall and winter. When captured this snake does not hesitate to bite and discharge foul-smelling musk and feces. This particular one I found in Madera Canyon of the Santa Rita Mountains.
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| Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake |
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| Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake |
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