found a rattler while hiking

Zelg · 04-03-15, 05:55 PM

Second time finding a rattler. Found him hiking in poly canyon in san luis obispo, ca. As with my previous rattler encounter, no rattling, just chillin on the side of the trail. Im starting to think they dont really ratttle lol. If someone could ID him id appreciate it. Really thinking about some leg guards no

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Zelg · 04-03-15, 05:57 PM

Im on my phone and the pics dont look to clear. Let me know if it needs to be redone and ill do it fron my pc later.

SnoopySnake · 04-03-15, 06:09 PM

Can you upload the pics to photobucket or a similar site? The pics are too small to tell when uploaded straight to this site. Cool find!

Zelg · 04-06-15, 02:58 PM

Ok, real life distracted me for a few days but here i am. Lets try these pics again.

that1guy · 04-06-15, 03:05 PM

I'm not really an expert but I think it is a Great Basin Rattlesnake.

FWK · 04-06-15, 03:19 PM

Nice shots. The C. organus complex is one I've been trying to figure out without a whole lot of luck. It is probably one of those that will be redone altogether once more genetic studies are done. For now it should be a C. o. oreganus or Northern Pacific Rattlesnake.

A range map for C. organus

SnoopySnake · 04-06-15, 04:02 PM

I'm gonna have to agree with FWK.

Zelg · 04-06-15, 11:20 PM

Excellent. Thanks for the replies.

Pirarucu · 04-08-15, 08:56 AM

Lately there seems to be a trend towards rattlesnakes not rattling much, if at all. It evolved as a defense against large grazing animals that would step on them accidentally, so the rattle let the snake make its presence known. Then of course it also worked as a warning to predators. But with humans, rattling and making yourself known often results in the rattlesnake being killed. If they stay quiet, people are less likely to notice and kill them.

Zelg · 04-08-15, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pirarucu

Lately there seems to be a trend towards rattlesnakes not rattling much, if at all. It evolved as a defense against large grazing animals that would step on them accidentally, so the rattle let the snake make its presence known. Then of course it also worked as a warning to predators. But with humans, rattling and making yourself known often results in the rattlesnake being killed. If they stay quiet, people are less likely to notice and kill them.

Makes a lot of sense especially when they're right on the edge of a busy trail like the ones I saw them on. I'm much more cautious and aware of their presence now but its amazing how well they blend in when you're just walking around gazing at the scenery. Their camo is excellent.