California welcomes new state symbols: Bigberry manzanita and giant garter snake

The Golden State has added an official shrub and snake, both selected for how they embody California’s natural resilience.

The Sneaky Spot Snakes May Be Hiding In, And What You Can Do About It

While many snakes are harmless, stumbling upon them while doing your chores isn't fun. Here's how to avoid a surprise ...
Hoodline

Sacramento Sprawl Showdown Puts California’s State Snake On The Line

Sacramento County officials are weighing a wave of development proposals that could turn thousands of acres of rice fields ...

Sacramento County development threatens a giant, shy snake. Why does that matter?

Counts of the elusive giant garter snake have dwindled in recent decades. What could unexpected construction do to its ...
The Sacramento Bee on MSN

What is the Natomas Basin? See the wildlife area home to the giant garter snake

John Roberts, director of the Natomas Basin Conservancy, explains the importance of land management of the Natomas Basin in Sutter and Sacramento counties on Nov. 10, 2025.