Out on a walk Tuesday evening we discovered this small Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake—coiled, lying in wait, but not threatening.
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Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake Lying in Wait
Out on a walk Tuesday evening we discovered this small Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake—coiled, lying in wait, but not threatening.
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4 responses to “Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake Lying in Wait”
I have caught that snake in Deerpark with Young Brother before his continuation. We move the snake to a new place away from people.
I am so happy that rattlesnakes are relocated when human encounters are likely. Rattlesnakes are an important part of the local ecosystem and help control the squirrel and rodent populations. They avoid interaction with people and prefer to leave a situation whenever possible. Please be careful when stepping over a log or bushes off the path to avoid startling them. Rattlesnakes have community nurseries where they care for their young about 2 weeks. They do not have ears but “hear” vibrations from walking, talking, singing etc. There are many misconceptions about rattlesnakes. A researcher from Cal Poly SLO discusses rattlesnake myths vs facts in this video https://youtu.be/uZMU4cA4u9k
In an effort to call my reptile friends by their true names, I submit that the rattlesnake pictured is a Speckled Rattlesnake (http://californiaherps.com/snakes/pages/c.m.pyrrhus.html), not the subspecies of Western Rattlesnake, i.e. the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (http://californiaherps.com/snakes/pages/c.o.helleri.html), found at Deer Park. Can’t wait for the hopefully soon coming time when I can return to Deer Park and visit these beautiful creatures and be held in the embrace of the fourfold sangha.
Well-spotted, Donna! I also was unsure. I think this is the first Speckled Rattlesnake I’ve seen. Thanks for correctly identifying the snake for us.