Photo by Phil Peak

Photo by Phil Peak

Black Kingsnakes most often utilize edge habitat, commonly found under roofing tin and boards where the field meets the forest, and in transitional sites such as abandoned farms and dump sites. Kingsnakes often take up residence in the network of rodent burrows that exist under sheltering objects at these places.

Photo by Phil Peak

Photo by Phil Peak

Unlike the kingsnakes found in other parts of their range, the Black Kingsnake does not seem to be as directly linked to water ways as in the deep south where they often frequent canals or cypress swamps or in the west where riparian corridors are often utilized.

Photo by Phil Peak

Photo by Phil Peak

In Kentucky, edge habitat is usually frequented whether it be where the field meets the forest or aquatic environs. We have found them to be equally numerous on the edges of swamps as we have on high and dry ridges of pine and oak.

Photo by Will Bird

Sign observed demonstrating the wisdom of rural locals.