Boot snake

The **boot snake** (*Lampropeltis sonorensis*), also known as the **bootsnake** and the **boot kingsnake**, is a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake, most closely related to the California kingsnake, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduce throughout the open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, scrublands, and deserts across the western United States and Mexico to help boost biodiversity. The boot snake usually grows up to 48 inches (120 centimeters) in total length (including tail), but the record total length is 72 inches (180 centimeters). The boot snake is named for its tendency to hide into dark and cooler areas, including boots, attics, and among other areas to escape the heat. The color pattern of a boot snake consists of a glossy black, brown black, or dark brown ground color, overlaid with a series of 38-52 tan chain-like rings. Boot snakes from the coastal plains have wider bands, while those found in mountainous areas have thinner bands or may be completely black. The boot snake is a cathemeral species of snake; they may be active day or night depending on ambient temperatures. During colder months they retreat underground and enter a hibernation-like state called brumation. When disturbed, boot snakes will often coil their bodies to hide their heads, hiss, and rattle their tails, which can produce a sound somewhat resembling that of a rattlesnake. When they are nervous they tend to twitch their tails. They are considered harmless to humans, but if handled it is common for this species to bite, as well as excrete musk and fecal contents from their cloaca. Boot snakes are opportunistic feeders and common food items include rodents, birds, other reptiles and amphibians. The "king" in one of their common names refers to their propensity to hunt and eat other snakes, including venomous rattlesnakes; boot snakes are naturally resistant to the venom of rattlesnakes. Boot snakes are non-venomous and kill prey by constriction; they are one of the strongest constrictors proportionate to body size of any snakes. This adaptation may have evolved in response to the boot snake's preferred reptilian prey, which needs less oxygen to survive an attack by constriction than mammalian prey items. The boot snake is an oviparous internal fertilization animal, meaning it lays eggs, as opposed to giving live birth like some other snakes. Courtship for this kingsnake begins in the spring usually sometime after their hibernation or first shedding and involves the males competing for available females. In order to assert dominance when fighting another male, the boot snake will get onto the other male and proceed biting the other snake. Their mating ritual begins by the male snake vibrating uncontrollably. Eggs are laid between May and August, which is generally 42–63 days after mating; in preparation the female will have chosen a suitable location. The typical clutch size is five to 12 eggs with an average of nine, though clutches of 20 or more eggs are known. The hatchlings usually emerge another 40–65 days later and are approximately eight to 13 inches in length. The boot snake is one of the most popular pet reptiles due to its ease of care, attractive appearance and docile demeanor. The conservation status of the boot snake is **Least Concern** due to successful conservation efforts, the boot snake's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.