Reptiles of Golden Gate National Recreation Area
A guide to the reptiles of the park
Western Fence Lizard
The western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) is a common lizard of California and the surrounding area. Because the ventral abdomen of an adult is characteristically blue, it is also known as the blue-belly.
Western Skink
The western skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus) is a species of small, smooth-scaled lizard with relatively small limbs. It measures about 100 to 210 mm (about 4 to 8.25 inches) in total length (body + tail). It is one of five species of lizards in Canada. Western skinks are very adaptable. They spend much of their day basking in the sun. Their diet ranges widely, including ...more ↓
Ringneck Snake
The ring-necked snake or ringneck snake, Diadophis punctatus, is a species of colubrid snake found throughout much of the United States, central Mexico, and southeastern Canada. Ring-necked snakes are secretive, nocturnal snakes, so are rarely seen during the day time. They are slightly venomous, but their nonaggressive nature and small, rear-facing fangs pose ...more ↓
Sharp-tailed Snake
The sharp-tailed snake or sharptail snake (Contia tenuis) is a small, locally common colubrid snake that lives in the western United States.
Aquatic Garter Snake
The aquatic garter snake, Thamnophis atratus, is a species of colubrid snake. Three subspecies are currently recognized.
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
The western terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans) is a western North American species of colubrid snake. Seven subspecies are currently recognized.
San Francisco Garter Snake
The San Francisco garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) is a slender multi-colored subspecies of the common garter snake. Designated as an endangered subspecies since the year 1967, it is endemic to San Mateo County and the extreme northern part of coastal Santa Cruz County in California. Some researchers estimate that there are only 1,000 to 2,000 adult snakes ...more ↓
Pacific Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer is a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake endemic to North America. Six subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominotypical subspecies, Pituophis catenifer catenifer, described here. This snake is often mistaken for a diamondback rattlesnake but can be easily distinguished from a rattlesnake by the lack of black and white banding on its ...more ↓
California King Snake
The California kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula californiae) is a nonvenomous colubrid snake endemic to the western United States and northern Mexico. It is a relatively small subspecies of the common kingsnake and is naturally found in a wide variety of habitats. One of the most popular snakes in captivity, the California kingsnake can vary widely in appearance due to ...more ↓
Northern Pacific Rattlesnake
Crotalus oreganus is a venomous pit viper species found in North America in the western United States, parts of British Columbia, and northwestern Mexico. Seven subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.
Northern Rubber Boa
The Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) is a snake in the family Boidae that is native to the Western United States.
