jd_rose Posted August 15, 2007 Share Posted August 15, 2007 This fellow was hanging out in the rocks that I have on the north corner last Sunday morning...The yard is overrun with chipmunks and the coop has some chicks. I am sure it was looking into that. Can't blame it, I like chickens too. Usually, these rattlesnakes hole-up or crawl away, this one actually moved toward me. Not sure why. We chatted for a bit and then he realized I was much too big to eat. Move along. What a gorgeous animal. I have shared this picture with a few friends trying to get a ID, no one is really sure. This snake was light olive green in color not the brown, pink, or golden that I normally run into. (Note: the creature was in the shade of the early morning...the blue cast really does not help.) What kind of rattler is this?<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merrick Posted August 15, 2007 Share Posted August 15, 2007 To properly identify this snake, a little more information would be helpful. Where did you see this snake (town, state, etc.)? What is the elevation? I assume this guy had rattles on his tail? The picture does not show the tail, and the banding that may exist there... Based on incomplete info I guess that this is a Mojave Rattlesnake, Crotalus scutulatus. AKA as a Mojave Green. If so, give this guy a wide berth- their venom is both hepatoxic and neurotoxic- much more dangerous than a typical diamondback. Thanks for sharing your photo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jd_rose Posted August 15, 2007 Author Share Posted August 15, 2007 Thanks. It is at 4300' elevation, Church Wells, Utah, August 12, Sunday, I think about 9 am., Nikon D50, (P)rogram, (A) or (*) WB I think. Yes, rattles, I could hear them. Unfortunately, I did not get a good, clear shot of the tail and rattle. I know, far east of typical Mohave country, however, we are now getting 110 degree days, less than a decade ago 104 was hot here. And Greens have been spotted here before, recently. Even quail are showing up here. First time ever.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tim_knight Posted August 15, 2007 Share Posted August 15, 2007 I am the first to admit I know little about snakes (by choice) due to the fact I avoid them. Back to the picture, when I looked at it I first thought it was ready to molt its skin? Don't beat me up on this one if I am wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jd_rose Posted August 15, 2007 Author Share Posted August 15, 2007 Interesting thought, Mr. Knight, The snake exhibited no lethargy, and it also had a fineness to it's scale that did not indicate shedding. This was a large, mature snake, 1.3 meters or so, probably done growing, or at least slowing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ranong Posted August 15, 2007 Share Posted August 15, 2007 snakes grow their entire life. they do not necessarily become lethargic when they are about to shed. keep up the shooting. keep us posted on your chipmunk problems. eddie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erik_loza Posted August 15, 2007 Share Posted August 15, 2007 That's a Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis), probably the Great Basin subspecies (lutosus). Their coloration is quite variable and the one in your photo is not ready to shed its skin. Nice photo, pretty snake. Thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael_bizon Posted August 15, 2007 Share Posted August 15, 2007 JD would have to agree with Ekik, about this being a Western, however I only live in ratttlesnake country and don't have the required PHD to discuss this subject. Keep up with the photos, and I'm glad someone is getting all the rain, out here between Death Valley and the Sierra's (north of the Mohave) we haven't seen a drop. It has been the driest year on record in California but the Desert's seem to be really getting it hard, everything is dormant, never had spring flowers, nothing! And you can tell it's affecting the wildlife. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_chappell Posted August 15, 2007 Share Posted August 15, 2007 Concur with Erik (who is the snake expert here): western rattlesnake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derek_thornton Posted August 15, 2007 Share Posted August 15, 2007 JD, It looks to me like a Western Rattlesnake(Crotalus viridus) either a Midget faded(C.v.concolor) or a Great Basin(C.v.lutosis. To me it looks just like some of the Midget faded's I have seen, but where the two subspecies come together there is interbreeding. Sorry if someone has already answered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jd_rose Posted August 15, 2007 Author Share Posted August 15, 2007 Shows you what I know! Thanks for the responses and clarification! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
savagesax Posted August 23, 2007 Share Posted August 23, 2007 Leave a tag on it saying if you know what this beast is please write to photo.net ATT JD! hehe in 6 months or so, some brave nut will pick it up and write to us! Ask for the weight and age too while you are at it. I won't leave the computer until we get a response! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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