[TunaByte]

The heat is bringing out the the critters. Caught this guy in front of my house. I think it is a gopher snake. I didn't hear or see a rattle so I nabbed him after a long chase. I didn't want any kids coming in contact with him, so I took it over to the hills and let it go. I heard from a few people on a biking jogging trail in a canyon down the street that they have seen rattle snakes almost every day on the trail. Watch out if your around any open fields or overgrown areas.

 

[ChannelIslands]

Yep its a gopher snake. They actually will hiss and rattle their tails if they are angry! Good for you not killing it! :tu:
You would be surprised how many ignorant people kill em!

I say let em all live they eat rats and mice! :tu:


Chris

 

[Uncle Grumpy]

Interesting you would choose to handle a snake without knowing what kind it is.
That's certainly the way most people get bit.

You would be surprised how many ignorant people kill em!

I say let em all live they eat rats and mice!

This applies to rattlers as well; they are a vital part of the ecosystem.

 

[Mojostone]

We have a lot of rattle snakes here also. I usually leave them be. Unless they are near a house. I use to catch king snakes and release them on my land. So they would eat the rattle snakes. The gopher snakes compete for food with the rattle snakes. More gopher snakes less rattle snakes.

I presently use domestic cats to control rattle snakes. I have 4 cats. That have been bitten by rattle snakes. One cat has been bitten 3 times. The cats finally won out and I have not seen a rattle snake near my house for years.

 

[Kent]

Yeah, but the kingsnakes will gobble down gopher snakes just as eagerly.

You might be surprised at the number of fisherman (including me) who are also snake fans. I was out cruising last night as a matter of fact, and found this beautiful speckled rattler. I took a few shots and sent him on his way.

 

[ChannelIslands]

Interesting you would choose to handle a snake without knowing what kind it is.
That's certainly the way most people get bit.

You would be surprised how many ignorant people kill em!

I say let em all live they eat rats and mice!

This applies to rattlers as well; they are a vital part of the ecosystem.

I dont believe in killing any snakes just to be clear.


Chris

 

[ChannelIslands]

Wow thats a great shot of a speckled! You dont see those too often anymore. I know your in the desert, but what part? The best 2 I ever ran into were the Panamint Speckled and the Red Diamondback. Talk about rare finds. Chris

This post edited by ChannelIslands 05/20/2008

 

[Kent]

Actually not the desert, but the inland foothills - Escondido, to be precise. Panamint Speckleds are a critter I need to get on my life list. Along with fisherman, herpers (reptile and amphibian lovers) have their "grand slams" as well !

 

[Zodiakman]

A close bud and I were out mt. biking when he stopped and checked a kink in his chain and got bit in the ass by a rattler. I called 911 and they said that the poison is going to have to be sucked out or he'll die..... I miss the guy..he was a good friend..
I now only mountain bike with my wife and/or her girlfriends.....


no really......

 

[EDOG]

Props again for not killin the lil guy. So many people would have simply gotten their shovels or a rock and dispatched the critter. As one stated....many of us are fans of the reptiles. I have had a Columbian Redtail Boa for 18 years. She is about 8 foot now. I find reptiles, in particular snakes, facinating. Always good practice when you live in THEIR habitats to just be aware and give wide berth. The rattlers want NOTHING to do with us. Thanks again for the pics and for letting the pest eater go to eat some more.

 

[Iron Thrower]

Glad you diden't kill it. Like so many said, why kill any of them unless its a life or death moment. Live here in Palm Desert for over 20 years an have seen more then my share an they are great to watch at a distance. The largest I have seen was close to 6/7feet long crossing the hwy, Stopped an let it cross while horns honking behind me. Saw a interesting show on Aanimial Plannet Sunday, Over 55thousand people a year die in India from snake bites.....thats between 4 of the most deadly snakes in the world live there.


Hollywood

 

[mogandave]

I had a friend killed by a rattler walking home from a bar in FL back in the 80s, and we had people getting bit at work there a couple times a year. Snakes also get people here in Thailand pretty often as well. I can?t tell the good ones from the bad ones here, and because I have a four year old boy if a snake gets around my home I kill them if I can catch them. My dog gets several a year in the yard, and I hope she keeps getting them.

 

[ChannelIslands]

Actually not the desert, but the inland foothills - Escondido, to be precise. Panamint Speckleds are a critter I need to get on my life list. Along with fisherman, herpers (reptile and amphibian lovers) have their "grand slams" as well !

Have you seen sidewinders or western diamond backs there? I would imagine so. You are in near prime snake country.


Chris

 

[rubble]

Snakes are Very Cool......I used to take my Dog Buddy with me to Bouquet Canyon & Tujunga Creeks and let Him run around while I Fished for Trout,but too many close calls with the Buzzers & I now keep Him leashed in the back of the Truck or on a leash near me,tyed to a Bush/Tree.......

I once came across a Pacific Green? I think they're called,while walking a Bluff Trail around PV.....I think they're pretty Rare & Toxic as the anti-venom is hard to come by.....

 

[TunaByte]

Yep its a gopher snake. They actually will hiss and rattle their tails if they are angry! Good for you not killing it! :tu:
You would be surprised how many ignorant people kill em!

I say let em all live they eat rats and mice! :tu:


Chris

I just wanted to get him away from the kids in the area so they didn't get bit and he could keep the rodents to a minimum.

 

[ChannelIslands]

Snakes are Very Cool......I used to take my Dog Buddy with me to Bouquet Canyon & Tujunga Creeks and let Him run around while I Fished for Trout,but too many close calls with the Buzzers & I now keep Him leashed in the back of the Truck or on a leash near me,tyed to a Bush/Tree.......

I once came across a Pacific Green? I think they're called,while walking a Bluff Trail around PV.....I think they're pretty Rare & Toxic as the anti-venom is hard to come by.....

You mean a Mojave Green! They are pretty nasty. Many years ago my buddy got bit by one. I had one as a pet. 8* We knew there was nothing to do after he sucked the venom out. His arm swelled all the way up his shoulder. And even toward his chest! [email protected] He calmed his nerves with beer and the next day his mom made him goto the Dr and all they did was clean the wound.. LOL There is no anti-venom for them so if you get a big enough dose thats it!

Oh the joys of being a teen!!



Chris

 

[rubble]

ChannelIslands wrote;

[qoute]He calmed his nerves with beer and the next day his mom made him goto the Dr and all they did was clean the wound...

Ahhhh,Beer .....Nectar of the Gods....Healer of ALL Ailments...(Hic).

 

[Sea Hag]

Here's one of my baby's, This is a Coral Albino Boa

This guy is one of my Hypo Salmon Boas

This post edited by Sea Hag 05/21/2008

 

[Sea Hag]

Here's a couple Carpet Python's

 

[rubble]

Here's one of my baby's,
This is a Coral Albino Boa

This guy is one of my Hypo Salmon Boas

Those are INCREDIBLY Beautiful and well-kept Boas.....Thank's for the Pics....