Known for its ability to move fast, the Alameda whipsnake has the following distinct features: broad head, large eyes and a long slender body with a distinct yellow-orange “racing stripe” down each side. Adults can grow to six feet long. They are diurnal which means that they are active mainly during the day. Surprisingly good climbers, these snakes seem to prefer to hunt for lizards, snakes, and frogs. They are not venomous and pose no threat to humans.
All of the workers on SFPUC-related construction projects in the Valley have been trained to be on the look out for these special snakes. If they see one, they stop what they're doing, and contact a trained biologist to rescue them to a safer location.
Here is an up and close picture of one rescued by our field biologist, Aaron.
November is the time of year when they look for a dry, safe burrow to hibernate during the winter. The springtime is when courtship and mating takes place, usually from late-March through mid-June.
Alameda whipsnakes are considered to be both a federally and state threatened species.
See you around the Valley!
