This snake preys on rattlesnakes

The desert kingsnake is one of the most beautiful snakes living here in the Chihuahuan Desert.   Found throughout the southwest south into Baja and Mexico, it inhabits a wide variety of habitats including forests, woodlands, marshes, grasslands, and chaparral or desert environments.  Growing up to 85” long, in addition to being well known as a predator of rattlesnakes, the desert king will also prey on other snake species plus lizards, birds and their eggs, small mammals, turtles and frogs. 

They breed from March to June and during the months of May to August the female lays a clutch of 4 to 20 eggs. The young hatch 47 to 81 days later. They reach maturity from 3 to 4 years of age and can live up to 24 years. 

Photos
Cover and Feature – Rick LoBello
Snakes, J. N. Stewart (top)Josh More (bottom) , Wikimedia Creative Commons