11 replies to this topic

[guy_incognito]

Saw this rattlesnake today in Morongo Valley, in southern California. Can anyone identify the species? Sorry I didn't get a better picture, but it was fairly well hidden down in the brush, and I wasn't especially eager to get very close.

[meghann]

Here is a site with the 10 different kinds in California. I'm leaning toward Red Diamond, based on location, and overall color: dark with thin lighter stripes.

http://www.californi...ttlesnakes.html

[Seattle]

It's a lot better than the picture I would have gotten running in the opposite direction!

[ginspin16]

kinda looks like the mojave greens that we have here in the desert. eek.

[creeker]

Looks like a Southern Pacific Rattlesnake to me. The Red Diamond Rattlesnake is really a rich brick red color., not like this guy. Here is a pic of a Southern Pacific for comparison.....EDIT:......Oops, took a closer look, they are not the same. I can't get a read on yours with the shading from the bush and not being able to see the whole snake.

[meghann]

Granted, I've never seen one in person, but it just looks a lot like this one to me (which is a red diamond).

http://www.californi.../cruber5093.jpg

Snakes are not my specialty, though. Not by a long shot, lol!

[ginspin16]

the morongo valley website lists the red diamond rattlesnake

http://www.bigmorong...a32Wildlife.htm
Several species of reptiles and amphibians are also present, including gopher snakes, rosy boas, red diamond rattlesnakes, California kingsnakes, common whiptail lizards, side-blotched lizards, desert spiny lizard, Gilbert's skink, and California tree frogs.

[guy_incognito]

Thanks for the help everyone. I had seen that link with all the different CA rattlesnakes, but I still had no clue...

[Delilahae]

I believe it is a Red Diamond Rattlesnake..

[creeker]

I guess it could be a Red Diamond. Just looks odd with the shading from the bush. Like I said before, they are usually very red in color. I've seen literally hundreds of Red Diamonds, Southern Pacific, and Speckled down here in SD county. Those are the most common three. Usually I find Red Diamonds right out in the open, they seem to have no fear, but are usually not very aggressive in defending themselves. I find the Southern Pacific and Speckled to be much more aggressive. The Southern Pacific tends to like to hide and strike out if you try to mess with it, which is what initially made me think that was what this snake was. Rattlesnakes fascinate me for some reason, I always enjoy seeing them, and there is certainly no shortage of them where I bird, hunt, and fish.

[renitiadb]

Ew - I am not afraid of snakes on the whole, but I DO NOT like rattlesnakes!!! I grew up around them and have a more than healthy fear of them!! It is the one thing that is always on my mind when I am out birding. =(

[Liam]

Kryptos18 and his buddies enjoy "herping", which includes catching snakes, some venomous.
Like so: http://birdingbros.b...t-ever-bit.html