Kingsnakes are a species of snake that is found across the United States. These snakes are plentiful, and it is not uncommon for people to encounter them while out in nature across a variety of environments. Given how many different species of kingsnakes there are, it is fair for people to wonder if they are in danger if they get too close to one. Specifically, the question is often raised whether kingsnakes are venomous. Fortunately, if an unintentional encounter with a kingsnake occurs, it will not be life-threatening. However, that does not mean kingsnakes are incapable of causing damage.
Kingsnakes Are Not Venomous
Kingsnakes resemble venomous snakes, but this is only mimicry as they are not venomous snakes.
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Kingsnakes are brightly colored snakes. Their bands are colors that vary between orange, red, white, and yellow. Usually, the bright colors signal a snake is poisonous, like the coral snake, which the kingsnake looks very similar to. But this is just a case of mimicry that the kingsnakes use to help their chances of survival.
Whereas coral snakes are venomous and can harm people, kingsnakes are not. Kingsnakes are very docile and would prefer to be left to live their solitary lives. But just because kingsnakes do not have venom, it does not mean they are not dangerous to other animals. This is because kingsnakes are constrictors. Therefore, they wrap around their prey, cutting off the air supply to kill them.
Kingsnakes got their name because they kill and eat other snakes, in addition to rodents, amphibians, lizards, birds, and eggs. They are such a hearty species that the venom of other snakes has no effect on them. Consequently, as long as the kingsnake can overpower another snake, no snake is off limits.
While kingsnakes are not venomous, that does not mean they will not fight back if they feel threatened. This is something kingsnake owners and those who bother kingsnakes in the wild have found out firsthand after being bitten by the snakes, whose powerful jaws pack a punch, despite their small stature.
Kingsnakes May Not Be Venomous, But Their Bites Are Painful
Kingsnakes may not be venomous, but their bites can pack a painful punch.
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Kingsnakes may not be venomous snakes, but that does not mean they will not bite. Fortunately, kingsnakes are not a species known for being overly aggressive. Therefore, the chances of being bitten if leaving the snake alone in the wild are very slim.
The times that kingsnakes bite have to do with feeling like their lives are in danger. This typically occurs only when the snake lacks an escape route and feels threatened. Of course, according to Live Science, each kingsnake has its own personality. This leads to some being “bitier and snappier” than others. If bitten by a kingsnake, the bite will hurt. It can also lead to swelling and a bit of bleeding. Because the teeth of kingsnakes are sharp, a deep bite that is not treated can lead to infection. To ensure this does not happen, kingsnake bites should be washed with soap and water and monitored to make sure the wound is healing properly.
For those who are bitten by a kingsnake, there is a proper way to handle the situation to keep both the injured party and the snake as safe as possible. Those ways include:
Do not pull the snake off as it could break the snake’s teeth and cause further damage to the body part clamped down on
Wait for the snake to release its bite, which, in most cases, is in a matter of moments
Check the wound to make sure it is not deep enough to require medical attention
Wash the wound to prevent infection
While it can be a scary situation to be bitten by any snake, kingsnakes are only going to bite when they are scared. Therefore, the sooner the bitten party can calm themselves down, the faster the kingsnake will release.
Kingsnakes Are Not Capable of Killing a Person
Kingsnakes are constrictors, but they are not large enough to kill a person.
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Unlike boa constrictors, which have the capability of killing a person by constriction, kingsnakes cannot do the same. This is because they are significantly smaller than people, whereas a boa constrictor can reach lengths of up to 20 feet and weigh 200 pounds.
At their biggest, kingsnakes will grow to be between 3.5 feet and five feet long. The longest ever recorded was seven feet in length. While the snakes can grow to be pretty long, they only weigh between one and four pounds. Consequently, although they are constrictor snakes, they are not capable of killing a person. This should put some minds at ease, especially given how many states in the nation are home to at least one species of kingsnake.
Kingsnakes Are Widespread Throughout North America
Kingsnakes are found throughout the U.S., as well as portions of Mexico.
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For those who are looking to stay out of the way of kingsnakes, that can be easier said than done, given the snakes have a massive presence throughout North America. Kingsnakes are found throughout most of the United States, coast-to-coast. Each state has at least one species of kingsnake, if not more. There are about 8 recognized species of kingsnake found in the United States. The snakes are also found in parts of Mexico. Just like the different types of kingsnakes that live in the United States, the types of environments the snakes live in vary as well. The different habitats where kingsnakes live include:
Kingsnake Habitats | Description |
Arid Areas | Dry environment without much rain and higher temperatures |
Deserts | Temperatures quickly shifting from high heat to cold, sandy landscape, few to no plants |
Forests | Plenty of hiding places for the snakes and leafy floors to crawl around in |
Grasslands | Lots of grass, open space, some bushes |
Woodlands | Loads of trees, changing temperatures, scattered bushes |
Going out in nature in North America means there is a great chance of coming in contact with a kingsnake. If this happens, however, remember they are not venomous and do not strike unless they feel threatened and are cornered.
Kingsnakes Are Popular Pets
Kingsnakes are among the most popular snakes kept as pets.
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While kingsnakes do bite and are constrictor snakes, they are also a very popular snake that people keep as pets. This not only has to do with their beautiful coloration, but also because kingsnakes are one of the easiest snakes to care for. Kingsnakes are a species that both long-time snake owners and new snake owners alike enjoy having. This is related to the docile nature of the snake, its lifespan of 15 to 20 years, and the relatively low maintenance requirements for the snake. Like all pets, however, there are some drawbacks to having a kingsnake as a pet. Those drawbacks, according to Snake Snuggles, include:
Overhandling creates a stressed snake
The feeding schedule needs to be the same daily
Enclosures must be kept at a constant temperature, have proper humidity, be at least a 40-gallon tank for an adult snake, have proper substrate, and have a hiding spot, which can be difficult to maintain
Despite these drawbacks, the kingsnake is among the more popular snakes that people choose as pets. These non-venomous snakes may bite, but when they do, no venom is involved, allowing people to remain safe while caring for a larger reptile in their home.
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