It occurs in a wide variety of desert habitats, both on flats and in foothills, and prefers brushy areas. It is often common in riparian habitats. In California this snake is not as common as in the eastern parts of its range.
Death follows rapidly and the prey is consumed.
This snake is usually found in brushy habitats, where these prey items are most numerous. Rodent burrows are often used for refuge. Young are born live and thus a quiet, protected place is required such as a rodent burrow. Free water is probably not required. It occurs in smaller numbers at higher elevations, on drier flats and in sparser vegetation .