Because they’re non-venomous and chill (once you earn their trust), kingsnakes are popular pets. They’re the golden retrievers of the slithery set. But here’s a pro tip: never house two kingsnakes together. They will eat each other. It’s not a pet playdate; it’s a seafood buffet.
If you live in the American Southwest or California, you might even have one in your backyard, keeping the rattlesnake population down. So next time you see a black-and-white stripe slink past your BBQ, don’t scream. Just raise your drink and say, “Thanks, buddy. You’re doing the Lord’s work.”
A coiled snake with striking black and white striped patterns 67015733
Surprising Facts That’ll Win Any Trivia Night
Ready for some ammo to sound smart at parties? Kingsnakes are immune to the venom of pit vipers, including copperheads and cottonmouths. Their blood has special enzymes that neutralize the venom. It’s like having a built-in anti-venom factory. Also, they’re oviparous—they lay eggs. A clutch can have up to 20 eggs, each looking like a tiny leathery Ping-Pong ball.
Oh, and one more: in the wild, they’ve been known to play dead. They’ll flip onto their backs, open their mouths, and lie completely still. It’s the snake equivalent of a dramatic fainting goat. But don’t be fooled—if you flip them back over, they’ll do it again, like a toddler who didn’t get the iPad. Adorable and terrifying.
