So You Think You Saw a Snake in L.A.? Don't Freak Out, It's Probably Just Larry the Gopher Snacker
Ah, Los Angeles. The land of dreams, movie stars, and...snakes? Yep, you heard that right. L.A. isn't just about beaches and brunches, it's also home to a slithery selection of scaly friends. But before you imagine hordes of cobras slithering down Hollywood Boulevard, let's relax, take a deep breath (and maybe put down that roach motel), because most of the snakes you'll encounter here are about as threatening as a deflated pool float.
The A-List Herpetofauna
Los Angeles boasts a reptilian cast of characters, but the two main groups to know about are:
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The Laid-Back Lounge Lizards (harmless snakes): These guys are more interested in munching on mice than menacing movie stars. Some popular scalies in this category include:
- The California Kingsnake: This sassy serpent is decked out in a black and white banded outfit, like a goth zebra escaped from a Tim Burton film. Don't let the dramatic attire fool you, they're completely harmless.
- The Gopher Snake: This hefty fellow is the king-size candy bar of the L.A. snake scene, sometimes reaching up to seven feet! But fear not, they're more interested in wrestling gophers (hence the name) than humans.
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The Rattlesnake Renegades (venomous snakes): Now, let's talk about the only snakes in L.A. that might make you want to do the tango. Rattlesnakes are the punks of the snake world, letting everyone know they're venomous with their signature rattle (use your ears, folks). Here in L.A., you might encounter the Western Rattlesnake, a dusty dude with a diamond-patterned back.
Important Herpetological PSA
Look, rattlesnakes are no joke, but they'd rather avoid trouble than cause it. Here's the key: respect their space and they'll respect yours. If you see a rattlesnake, admire it from afar (with a healthy dose of zoom on your camera), and slowly back away. No need to become Indiana Jones on Rodeo Drive.
So You Saw a Snake? Chill Out, It Wasn't Lana Del Slither
Chances are, the snake slithering through your backyard isn't some exotic escaped movie prop. It's probably Larry the Gopher Snacker, just trying to make a living. Leave him be, and he'll take care of your rodent woes. Remember, snakes are an important part of the ecosystem, and besides, they can't exactly order takeout (though a pizza with extra worms sounds pretty good right now).
In Conclusion: Snakes in L.A. - More Likely to be Eaten by a Coyote Than Eat You
So, the next time you see a snake in L.A., don't panic. Just grab your phone (snakes can be great Instagram content!), snap a pic from a safe distance, and let Larry the Gopher Snacker get on with his day. After all, you've got a city to explore, and he's got gophers to wrestle.
