In the Northwest, this snake is found in grasslands, sagebrush flats, rocky stream courses, and canyon bottoms. Elsewhere it also frequents juniper and pine-oak woodlands. In southwestern Oregon, it is found in dry bushy areas close to rocks.

Young striped whipsnakes feed primarily on lizards and insects. Adults also take snakes, small mammals, young birds, and insects.

Photo by Bryn Hamilton, Flickr