Other Black Snakes: Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis nigra)

In addition to the aforementioned black snakes and black rat snakes, numerous other species of snakes have “black” somewhere in their common name. The black kingsnake is another species that is well known and widespread throughout much of the United States, particularly in the southeast.

Like many other kingsnakes within the Lampropeltis genus, the black kingsnake is an impressively large constrictor snake. On average, it reaches 5 to 6 feet in length when fully grown. Its scales are mostly a deep, glossy black, with tiny yellow spots or thin, irregular stripes throughout its body. These small pops of color make it a bit unique amongst snakes commonly known as black snakes.

Fortunately, the black kingsnake is non-venomous and generally not aggressive towards humans. In fact, it prefers habitats with lots of places for it to hide and avoid human contact whenever possible, like densely wooded forests, rock and wood piles, and thick brush near bodies of water.