I just dont get it, where are they - Page 2

Jlassiter · 10-01-12, 10:58 AM

Reptiles, including rattlesnakes come to the surface to regulate their temperature and humidity level.....If the temps are cool they will be out on the Eastern side of any outcropping, hill or mountain in the morning to catch the sun rise. Try checking the western side as the sun is setting.....After rain showers is the best time to "flip" things.

But if you flip anything other than AC (Artificial Cover) please put it back the way you found it. Too many folks that call themselves field herpers ruin natural habitat by flipping flagstone, rocks, boulders even to the point that they carry prybars and sledge hammers to do so.......

**millertime89** · 10-01-12, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyRhoads

Have you heard of the rattlesnakes in boar areas not rattling. Some biologist at either DFAG or BLM told me they were adapting for survival by not rattling so they wouldn't give themselves away to the boar and get eaten.

I've heard reports of this out of Texas as well. With the wild pigs running rampant out there the rattle snakes less prone to rattle are surviving or so the reports go.

Jlassiter · 10-01-12, 11:00 AM

BTW....where's you photos of all the kings you've found and are bored with?
I'd love to see them.

And the non-rattling thing is a "new wive's tale."

Jlassiter · 10-01-12, 11:01 AM

Scientists have to justify their funding sometimes.....

RandyRhoads · 10-01-12, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jlassiter

Scientists have to justify their funding sometimes.....

That's why I brought this up. It seems like it would have taken a lot longer than this for selective breeding to come into play and cause this, doesn't it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jlassiter

Reptiles, including rattlesnakes come to the surface to regulate their temperature and humidity level.....If the temps are cool they will be out on the Eastern side of any outcropping, hill or mountain in the morning to catch the sun rise. Try checking the western side as the sun is setting.....After rain showers is the best time to "flip" things.

But if you flip anything other than AC (Artificial Cover) please put it back the way you found it. Too many folks that call themselves field herpers ruin natural habitat by flipping flagstone, rocks, boulders even to the point that they carry prybars and sledge hammers to do so.......

I've been all over every direction at every time of day and seen nothing, but that's just my luck I guess. I'll start flipping stuff, like I said, gently, putting it all back. I'm never into screwing up the earth.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jlassiter

BTW....where's you photos of all the kings you've found and are bored with?

I'd love to see them.."

Here's one.

Kingsnakechris · 10-01-12, 02:12 PM

Awesome pics! Looks just like mine lol

Danimal · 10-01-12, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyRhoads

I've been all over every direction at every time of day and seen nothing, but that's just my luck I guess. I'll start flipping stuff, like I said, gently, putting it all back. I'm never into screwing up the earth.....

Hey man, I know how you feel. I knew this fella when I was a kid that could grab a hook and a bag, go into the woods for an hour and come out with a bag of snakes and lizards. I saw him do it in the day and at night as well. I couldn't even find just one to save my life. He was a few years older and his dad was the reptile curator at our zoo, I figured he had an advantage. I don't go snake and lizard hunting anymore but I always keep an eye out and see a lot more now than I did then. Water Mocs are probably the easiest to find but I see speckled and common kings all the time when I am just wandering.

DavethePython · 10-01-12, 03:18 PM

I feel your frustration . I have had several occasions to explor Arizona and have yet to see a rattlesnake , in the pines or the desert . Spent hours looking when I had chances . Really wanted photos of a wild rattler . Got nothing , not even a Scorpion lol. Oh well , gives me yet another reason to go back .

Roadtrash · 10-03-12, 10:27 AM

As someone said earlier, look down. I have seen many rattlesnakes out here while walking around the desert and if they don't feel threatened they don't rattle and you'll just walk by them if you're not looking. The best places I have found for finding them are close to the farm areas. Crops are growing and this attracts mice,etc. and naturally this attracts the snakes. Right now the temps are getting a little cooler at night so riding the roads around the farms is productive as they crawl out to warm on the pavement at night.

Revenant · 10-07-12, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jlassiter

BTW....where's you photos of all the kings you've found and are bored with?
I'd love to see them.

And the non-rattling thing is a "new wive's tale."

Perhaps, but I've only been buzzed by California rattlers when I've taken them by surprise by flipping something. Ones found out in the open much prefer to freeze (if I'm the one moving) or just scoot on by (if I'm still and they've moved out into the open) without rattling a warning. I don't know if it has anything to do with boars, I think it just has to do with most snakes preferring to hide or flee rather than fight or draw attention to themselves. Maybe it is because I usually don't hook them? Why warn something that isn't bothering you, I guess.

Jlassiter · 10-07-12, 07:52 PM

Many snakes vibrate their tales......Rattlesnakes just took evolution a step further.
It's not so much a warning, but a defense mechanism.....

My kings vibrate their tails sometimes, but out of all the kings I've found in the wild only a few of them vibrated their tails.....Just like rattlesnakes, they have to be rather agitated or irritated to vibrate their tails......

Some corns vibrate their tails as do ratsnakes......

They haven't changed one bit in our tiny lifespan....LOL

Jlassiter · 10-07-12, 07:53 PM

Nice California King Randy!
I'd be happy finding them ALL DAY LONG....lol