We acquired Sonora in 2017 as an adult snake after he was relinquished by his previous owner. He serves an ambassador for snakes in our education programs, acting as a bridge in our programming to connect people with snakes and teach them about our local species, such as the Eastern Milk Snake.

Did you Know? The common name “milk snake” originated from the false belief that these snakes drank cows’ milk.  

Description: Sinaloan Milk Snakes have red bands that are separated by smaller black and yellow bands. They are non-venomous, though they display what is known as aposematic mimicry – color patterns resembling that of a venomous animal. The Sinaloan Milk Snake closely resembles the venomous Eastern Coral Snake. 

Size: 3.5 feet. 

Lifespan: These snakes can live up to 20 years in captivity.

Habitat: Dry, arid, and rocky semi-desert environments.  

Range: Sinaloan Milk Snakes are found in the Mexican states of Sonora, Sinaloa, and Chihuahua.

Diet: Sinaloan Milk Snakes are constrictors and consume a wide variety of prey in the wild, including reptile eggs, lizards, small mammals, and other snakes. As a member of the Kingsnake family, Sinaloan Milk Snakes possess some immunity to the venom of the venomous species they consume.