The California kingsnake in the photos below was the first snake that I ever kept and began my life-long interest in herps. It was caught in a field that has since been developed for many miles around by some childhood friends 27 years ago. All of my friends were afraid of the snake and were more than happy to let me take it home with me. I named him Gretzky, since The Great One had recently joined the Kings. I have to give much of the credit for his care and keeping in those early years to my mother, as I was a pretty young boy at the time. This snake was already at adult size when found, so I assume it was probably at least 3-5 years old, maybe more. Given that I have had it for about 27 years, he is over 30 years old now.



This California mountain kingsnake was given to me about 15 years ago by a family friend who had kept the snake for a long time, though I don't know exactly how long. I believe that the snake is probably well over 20 years old.



Please feel free to share photos/stories of herps you all have had for a long time or that have otherwise impacted your life in special ways.
Cheers!