07/11/2026
At Wind Wolves Preserve, summer means sharing the landscape with many incredible species of wildlife … including snakes! While some visitors may find them a little spooky at first, snakes play an important role in healthy ecosystems and are simply trying to go about their day, just like we are.
Some of the snakes you may encounter on the Preserve include the California Kingsnake (picture 1), Pacific gopher snake (picture 2), and Northern Pacific rattlesnake (picture 3). Each species plays a valuable role in the local food web, serving as both predators and prey. Snakes help control populations of rodents, rabbits, lizards, and other small animals, which can help keep ecosystems balanced. At the same time, snakes are an important food source for larger predators such as red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, roadrunners, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and even KINGSNAKES (which are well known for preying on other snakes.)
REMEMBER:
As you spend time enjoying the Preserve this season, recreate safely:
• Stay aware of your surroundings and watch where you step or place your hands.
• Keep pets leashed and close by.
• Stick to designated trails.
• Give snakes plenty of space if you encounter one.
• Never attempt to touch, move, or disturb wildlife.
Snakes generally want to avoid people whenever possible. Most encounters happen simply because both humans and wildlife are enjoying the same trails, rocks, grasses, and sunny spaces during warmer weather.
