Alameda whipsnakes live in the California inner Coast Range. This area consists of mixed chaparral, coastal scrub, annual grassland with rock piles and oak woodland habitats. Rock piles are an important habitat feature for Alameda whipsnakes because they provide the snake with coverage from predators and are also home to the snake’s favorite food – lizards. 

Alameda whipsnakes are great hunters and opportunistic eaters. The snake is an active daytime predator. It holds its head high off the ground to peer over grass or rocks looking for potential prey. The Alameda whipsnake’s favorite food is lizard, especially the western fence lizard. It also eats frogs, western skinks, alligator lizards, other snakes, small birds, amphibians, single-slender salamanders, small mammals and insects.

The Alameda whipsnake is an active, daytime hunter. When hunting, the snake moves with its head held high and occasionally moves it from side-to-side to peer over grass or rocks for potential prey. They are also good climbers that can escape into scrub or trees. Alameda whipsnake seek shelter in rock piles or in small mammal burrows and hibernates from November through February.

Threats to the species:

• Loss and fragmentation of habitat due to urbanization and water storage development
• Fire suppression efforts that result in the build-up of fuels creating conditions for hotter wildfires
• Invasive species that eat the snakes such as rats, feral pigs and feral cats and dogs
• Overgrazing, which significantly reduces or eliminates shrub and grass cover, potentially eliminating the snakes’ cover from predators

The snake mates from March through June. Females typically lay six to 11 eggs per clutch. Eggs require about three months of incubation before hatching. The young appear in the late summer and fall. Parents have little involvement with their offspring after the eggs hatch.

The Alameda whipsnake's back is a sooty black or dark brown, and they have a distinct yellow-orange stripe down each side. The front part of their underside is orange-rufous colored. The midsection of the underside is cream colored. The underside of the rear section and tail are pinkish.

The Alameda whipsnake is a slender, fast-moving snake with a broad head, large eyes and slender neck.

Measurements
Length: Adults reach a length of 24 to 36 inches (91 to 122 centimeters)

Chaparral whipsnake