Temps were low 60s with intermittent rain
All found under the same log
Found in the contact zone for Mojave Rattlesnakes (C s scutulatus) and Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes (C o helleri). Despite coloration and pattern, scales and tail would suggest it is pure oreganus ssp.
Picture captured via security camera footage in the vicinity of Big Morongo Canyon. MV CA
Road cruised. Patternless, sub adult male.
What would you call this pattern?
Found along Moenkopi Loop Trail at Red Rock Canyon
Made quick get away into a tortoise burrow.?
Mating? The larger brighter colored one emerged first, followed by the two slightly smaller drabber colored ones, who wrapped themselves around it when it stopped.
This was a good reminder that a flashlight is a convenience and a safety device.
Observed at Mid Hills Campground
2 rattlesnakes possibly mating?
Flipped this baby under a rock.
The consensus among people I've talked to so far is that this is most likely a hybrid or the offspring of a hybrid between Masticophis flagellum ruddocki and Masticophis lateralis lateralis. That being said, I'm interested to see if anyone thinks otherwise. Anyone know of other Masticophis hybrid records besides taeniatus x lateralis?
@meandthealiens and I found this snake in treeless desert habitat (more suitable for M. f. ruddocki).
Snake is in a live trap placed in an outbuilding to catch Black Rats. Snake entered trap and from presence of a suspicious bulge is presumed to have eaten a rat within. Snake was released unharmed.
This is another very old observation record from back in June 1989. This was the first Rosy Boa I had ever encountered - shortly after I relocated to CA from NY. It was a very large, female crawling on the dirt side of the road.