In 2002 Will Bird and Phil Peak decided to forge a field partnership in an effort to learn more about the isolated population of corn snakes that exist in Kentucky. In addition to this goal, Will and Phil had a broad interest in the herps (reptiles and amphibians) of their home state and decided to make as many contributions as they could in the way of field observations. Beginning in January 2003 every herp seen was identified to the subspecific level and charted to the quarter quad on the DeLormes Atlas. Therefore, much of the content of this site is based on what they have discovered about the Black Kingsnake in their many outings in the field.

General notes and observations….

- Earliest observed emergence, March 21st. By late March kingsnakes are usually out in numbers.
- Last observed appearance for year, November 21st.
- Gravid females are often found in late May to early June.
- Upland populations clearly have a tendency to be darker overall than other populations. Those from lowland areas are more apt to retain much of the juvenile pattern.
- Maximum length appears to be >5′.
- Documented clutch sizes = 7,9,9,9,10,10,10, and 12. We have hatched other clutches over the years that would have fell into line with these numbers but these are the only ones we have recorded.
- Most likely to be seen foraging actively on surface from 0900 – 1300 hours.
- No nocturnal foraging has been documented by me other than in the event of late evening thunder storms that seem to bring everything out.
- Most likely to be found under artificial cover in the late afternoon and evening hours.
- Adult pairs are often found together under tin early in the year.
- Seldom are other species observed at sites that are dominated by Black Kingsnakes.
- Young and adults are rarely seen at the same sites.
- Most frequently found in edge habitat. Often utilizing artificial cover in the form of boards and roofing tin. Often among rodent nest and burrows.
- Found both near available water sources and also in areas well removed from them.


All live snakes observed in KY in 2003 and 2004 were documented as to species and location.
In 2003 – 721 snakes observed in the field, 52 were L .g. nigra
In 2004 – 701 snakes observed in the field, 64 were L. g. nigra


In 2005 – 855 live snakes were seen in the field in Kentucky, of which 72 were Lampropeltis g. nigra.

“Spring yielded good results. Much of this we attribute to conditions that were optimum for locating snakes under artificial cover. Through much of April and May we had mild sunny days and cool nights. This coupled with generous rainfall that provided good surface moisture led to a great deal of surface activity. Obviously gravid females were found during this period. By June these conditions rapidly gave way to much warmer temperatures and a marked reduction of precipitation. July, August and September proved to be both drier and hotter than the norm with the end result being an over all reduction in kingsnake sightings than in the typical summer. With the harsh conditions it appeared to us that the snakes were probably spending the bulk of their time in subsurface refugia. One hatchling kingsnake was discovered in September. The summer drought had a negative impact on our ability to locate kingsnakes in the early Fall during the latter part of September and October. This is usually the second activity spike that occurs in the annual cycle, but despite more tolerable temperatures the parched soil kept us from seeing kingsnakes in the numbers that are usually expected during this time frame. November brought colder than normal temperatures and the end of surface activity for the year. We noted a reduction in kingsnake sightings at some places that formerly yielded good results. We feel this may be the result of natural succession and that perhaps excessive canopy cover may be detering kingsnakes from utilizing these sites to the same extent. The largest specimen observed in 2005 was a male that field measured 57″
Phil Peak

“2005 was interesting. We had dry times and hot times that seemed to drive kings into hiding during August and other summer months. We also had an odd spring as we found kings a-plenty, but our experience at some proven sites threw us a curve ball and we are beginning to suspect that OPEN areas are very much needed as our proven sites are filling in with vegetation.”
Will Bird