An abundance of helleri are found in this disturbed habitat where the native coastal sage scrub was removed for agriculture. It has been replaced by mustard, anis, and cheat grass. Kingsnakes, gophersnakes, helleri, and to a lesser extent ringneck snakes find the habitat suitable. Other taxa which live in the area nearby (striped racers, red racers, red rattlers) are not found in the disturbed area.