Is this a diamondback rattlesnake

[brock1]

On a hike and almost walked into it but it didnt make any sort of rattle or noise, sure looked like a diamondback though. Thanks.

[FWK]

Definitely a Rattler. Looks like a Western Diamondback, maybe a Mojave. I still have trouble telling those two apart. Where was it found?

[brock1]

Yorba Linda, California
I think it probably had it's rattle coiled underneath so it couldn't warn us. it also looked like it had eaten recently based on its size. Sorry for the phone picture.

[brock1]

Definitely a Rattler. Looks like a Western Diamondback, maybe a Mojave. I still have trouble telling those two apart. Where was it found?

Yorba Linda, California
This snake was so passive that my brother walked within 5 feet or so and all it did was stick its tongue out at him. It looked like it had eaten recently based on its size so maybe thats why it didn't do anything? I don't know much about snakes so any info is welcomed.

[D Grade]

Looks kind of like a Crotalus Molossus aka Black Tail Rattlesnake judging from the black stripe near the eyes, but also looks a lil darker than they normally are. Definitely a Crotalus though.

[FWK]

Yorba Linda, California
This snake was so passive that my brother walked within 5 feet or so and all it did was stick its tongue out at him. It looked like it had eaten recently based on its size so maybe thats why it didn't do anything? I don't know much about snakes so any info is welcomed.

That should put you on the very edge of Mojave Rattlesnake range, just a bit too far west for Western Diamondbacks I think. Mojave Rattlesnake range is almost entirely overlapped by the Western Diamondbacks range which makes determining which is which even more difficult for me lol. You are also very close to the northern edge of Red Diamond Rattlesnake range so that too could be a possibility. Sorry if I'm giving you more questions than answers, all of these animals are visually very similar and I'll admit Rattlers are not my strong suit. My best guess at this point would be Mojave Rattler.

Rattlers are often relatively passive as long as you do not harass them, especially in cooler weather. They do tend to be a bit more excitable when it's hot. Many will try to run when threatened and will only rattle if cornered, while some will display at the slightest provocation. But most of the time they will just sit still and trust their camouflage to do its job.

[CrotalusR#1]

It is a very nice Southern pacific rattlesnake (crotalus helleri).

western diamond backs (C.atrox) are not found in yourba linda neither are black tails or mojaves, (crotalus molossus) (crotlaus scutulatus).

[FWK]

It is a very nice Southern pacific rattlesnake (crotalus helleri).

western diamond backs (C.atrox) are not found in yourba linda neither are black tails or mojaves, (crotalus molossus) (crotlaus scutulatus).

I'll take your word on this one CrotalusR#1, rattlers are your thing. Southern Pacific Rattlesnake does make more sense, though my eyes still want it to be a Mojave lol. The pattern seems better defined than I remember Southern Pacific Rattlers having. I'll have to sit down with the books when I get home.

[CrotalusR#1]

There are really only 2 crotalus you find in yourba Linda , C.ruber and C. Oreganus helleri.
Mojaves are found more commonly in California's high desert going towards Arizona.
I used to live in Yoruba Linda and still go herping there quite often and that looks exactly like the helleri I see in that area. The base color is way to dark to be a mojave. Helleri are unbelievably vairble and this is your classic dark Southern CA southern pacific rattlesnake.
Yourba Linda is orange country and as far as I know there are no C.scutulatus in that county. I said "as far as I know" incase of possible range extension I don't know about but I don't think that's the cases tho, but if it is that would be awesome!

Nice find btw op!

[FWK]

Excellent information, this is why local knowledge is always best. And I agree, nice find.

[CrotalusR#1]

Excellent information, this is why local knowledge is always best. .

Thanks you and I couldn't agree more on the importance of local info!!

It simplifies so many things.

[brock1]

Wow thanks for all the information and yeah it was a nice looking snake, not that I was looking for it ;)