*The colored areas of the map above represent parishes with currently known records for the given species (Source: Jeff Boundy, LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries). By no means does it represent the full range of the species in the state, nor does it necessarily mean that a species can be found throughout the parish with the record. This is provided as a guide to where you might be able to find these species in the state and to aid in identification. A descriptive explanation of the range of each species can be found in the text below.
Other Common Names:
Subspecies: No subspecies recognized.
Description:
Similar Species:
Species Range:
Louisiana Range: Much of the western half of the state, but absent in the Mississippi River floodplain and southern Louisiana.
Habitat:
Natural History:
Best Time and Place to Observe:
Global Conservation Status: Prairie Kingsnakes are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Their NatureServe Global Conservation Status Rank is G5 (Secure).
Federal Conservation Status: None
Louisiana Conservation Status: Prairie Kingsnakes do not have any special status in Louisiana.
Author's Remarks: I have observed this species only four times in the state, an adult in Kisatchie National Forest (Natchitoches Parish) in 2012, a large dark adult on the road in Bienville Pairsh in 2016, a juvenile at Wallace Lake Biological Station in 2017, and a large adult at Eddie D. Jones Park in Caddo Parish. I also got to release and photograph a wild individual captured in Bienville Parish in 2015.
