The giant garter snake is now California’s official state snake. Discover its unique traits and habitat challenges.

The Golden State has added an official shrub and snake, both selected for how they embody California’s natural resilience.

Counts of the elusive giant garter snake have dwindled in recent decades. What could unexpected construction do to its ...

Sacramento County officials are weighing a wave of development proposals that could turn thousands of acres of rice fields ...

Picture an animal that huddles up with others when stressed, babysits its young, hangs out around relatives, and gathers in big groups every year. Did you imagine a rattlesnake? For a long time, ...

John Roberts, director of the Natomas Basin Conservancy, explains the importance of land management of the Natomas Basin in Sutter and Sacramento counties on Nov. 10, 2025.

Often spotted slithering through gardens, grassy yards, and forest edges, the garter snake is one of North America’s most common and misunderstood reptiles. These non-venomous snakes are easily ...

Mike Duever's lifelong passion for wildlife, especially reptiles, began during his childhood in the Chicago area. His career has focused on habitat preservation, leading him to study the Big Cypress ...