Sex : Female

Length : Ft (Avg. 4 – 8 Feet)

Weight : lb. (Avg. 8 oz. to 2 lb.)

Lifespan : Age approximately 3 years (Longevity 15+)

Breeding: Egg Layer, averages 4 – 16 eggs

Range: Southwestern California into Baja California, Mexico

Habitat : Dry grasslands, desert scrub, and rocky hillsides

Food and Hunting : Primarily diurnal and highly aggressive, Coachwhips are opportunistic hunters. Small mammals, lizards, larger insects and snakes are primary prey but they will also feed on frogs and birds. They hunt mainly by sight and literally chase down their prey, thye are among the fastest of North American snakes. In captivity they are fed mice and rats appropriate to their age and size.

Conservation : Widely distributed throughout their range, their only threat is the increased encroachment of man on their natural habitat. However due to the harsh habitat they reside in this threat is minimal. Relatively rare in captive collection, they are not extensively captive bred.

Captive Care : Large, active snakes with a tendency to be nervous in captivity, they are best left to experienced keepers. A habitat that provides security and minimal disturbances is a requirement.