Hereford, United States - September 29, 2024 A Sonoran mountain kingsnake was seen climbing a wall at the Coronado National Memorial visitor center, passing through a recess between bricks. The video, recorded on-site, captured the snake displaying its climbing skills on the adobe walls. Identified as Lampropeltis pyromelana, the Sonoran mountain kingsnake is native to the southwestern United States. It can grow up to 36 inches in length. In Arizona, this species has a patchy range that includes the northwestern corner of the state, central mountain ranges, the Mogollon Rim, and the southeastern “sky island” ranges. It lives at elevations from 3,000 to 9,000 feet and is found in habitats from chaparral to conifer forests, often near streams or springs, and is associated with juniper woodland. The kingsnake feeds on lizards, rodents, and nestling birds. It typically spends the day among rocks, logs, or dense vegetation.