A small, smooth-scaled brown snake with yellow side stripes and large eyes is loosely coiled on a dirt patch. It is an adorable baby snake.

A juvenile striped racer choosing a rare moment of peace towards the hand that picked it up. Image shows narrow head and neck of a small brown snake with yellow lateral stripes and belly. The large eyes and short yellow stripe from nostril to eye are identifiers for this species.

Today’s #SundaySnakes feature is the shockingly fast (and usually bitey) California Striped Racer (Masticophis lateralis lateralis). Here in the foothills, this species is fond of hot/dry open areas where it can chase down its favorite lizard snacks. #herps #snakes #whipsnakes #snek #stripedracer