In the coastal and desert habitats of San Diego County, the Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata) preys on small warm-bodied mammals like the Desert Woodrat, nestling birds, lizards, and even other snakes.

It is a relatively large non-venomous snake with a total length range of 17 to 43 inches, and is rust or orange in color. It lives in a diverse habitat including arid desert, brush land, rocky slopes, and chaparral covered hills. Though not dependent on permanent water they do prefer areas with moisture like creeks, streams, and canyon floors.

Learn more about the Rosy Boa at theNAT’s Amphibian and Reptile Atlas of Peninsular California.

PHOTO CREDIT: Robb Hannawacker, National Park Service