‘Astonishingly’ huge kingsnake encountered by conservation crew in Southern California

Southern California conservation workers recently encountered what might be described as the king of kingsnakes.

The enormous kingsnake, spotted last month by members of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, measured an estimated 7 feet. The average California kingsnake measures about half that size.

The MRCA explained via Facebook that Alberto Silva was inspecting a restoration site near Liberty Canyon in Agoura Hills - the crew had been planting oak trees - when he saw the snake slithering toward a busy road.

"Fearing this long native snake may not be able to avoid vehicles, Alberto quickly rushed into action using a large branch to safely lift and gently move the snake back to a planted area," the MRCA stated.

The bridge, expected to be completed by the end of 2023, will become the largest urban wildlife crossing of its kind and benefit mountain lions and other critters. Apparently, that includes abnormally massive snakes.

In describing the recent kingsnake encounter, the MRCA began its Facebook post by jokingly stating, “We’re going to need a bigger wildlife crossing.”

Image showing Alberto Silva with the kingsnake is courtesy of the Mountain Recreation Conservation Authority