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Wrightwood Fire was called out near the top of Heath Creek for a rattle snake in a yard.
The timber rattler was located in a backyard and killed. The fire department is sensitive to the wildlife in the area and will release rattle snakes if open area is available. This was a fully residential area and felt the snake needed to be killed due to the number of neighborhood children.
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forumimg/news/rattler1.JPG)
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forumimg/news/rattler2.JPG)
In a separate part of town a King Snake was found and released in an open forest area.
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forumimg/news/kingsnake1.JPG)
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Oh man....I would have taken it and released it. :'( Poor snake. That makes me sad.
What a beautiful shot of a king snake. They are so pretty. Good job Wrightwood.
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I live at the top of Heathcreek and have seen a king snake in the back but no rattle snakes yet. We keep all of the area around the house clear of any where they can hide. That seems to keep them away from the house but they do seem to like to hide under the work shop out back. Be careful everyone, it is only natural for them to be out this time of year!
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Why do people kill snakes? You can easily move one with a rake and a bag or aquarium. (not to mention the cool close up pictures you can take of a snake in an aquarium!) I don't understand why people are so afraid of them. They're just little animals. I''ve moved lots of rattlesnakes, & never had a problem.
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It's human nature. If you don't understand something, kill it.
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The fire department kills the snakes because of the proximity of children and pets. There was no safe place (for snake or human) to release the snake. The firefighters are not trained nor equipped to transport snakes safely. Had there been a large open area or wash nearby, the situation might have turned out differently.
The firefighters do understand the local rattlesnake population and respect them for their important place in our valley....however, we also have all personally dealt with the after effects of rattlesnake envenomation. The last three bites in this area were directly related to folks handling rattlesnakes in some fashion.
In a situation where the lives of humans vs any kind of animal comes into play....the humans always come first.
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I just hope people don't start killing the king snakes. King Snakes are harmless and from what I heard, they will even kill a rattle snake when presented with the oppertunity.
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By the way, we don't have "Timber Rattlers" here--those are an eastern species. We have Pacific Rattlesnakes, which are a ~lot~ less aggressive. I've seen quite a few and they are almost always trying to escape. When we find them on the grounds of the outdoor school/Methodist camp, we catch them with a long pole/noose set up that one of the camp maintenance staff came up with and put them in an empty trash can. Then they take them down to Lone Pine Canyon and let them go far away from any buildings or trails.
Of course, the rattlesnakes are an important part of the local ecosystem, keeping rodents in check, reducing risks of Hanta Virus, plague, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, gardening nightmares, and the like. But, like with Yosemite bears, people come first when it comes to safety issues.
I've heard a great statistic about rattlesnake bites--now, of course, not all victims fall under this type, but apparently the majority of snakebite victims are male, drunk, and were bitten on the hand or arm when they were trying to catch the snake! Use looong poles! Be careful and respect these creatures' abilities.
The Mountain King Snakes are beautiful snakes, and will eat other reptiles, including rattlesnakes! They are immune to their venom. Mountain King Snakes are very beneficial snakes to have around as well as beautiful! Occasionally people get confused and will kill a King snake, mistaking it for a Coral Snake, but we don't have Coral Snakes here, either. There is that little poem to help you remember the difference: Red touch yellow,
could kill a fellow;
Red touch black,
You're okay, Jack!
But it would be easier to remember that the only colorful snake with black, red and "yellow" we have here is the Mountain King Snake, so leave it alone!
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Yupper...snakes are out. Just saw a beauty out back by our wash this evening around 6pm as I was trying to check out a nest in the brush where some Towhees had some youngsters. The snake was very passive, I just sat there checking him out, he sat there checking me out and then I let him be. I was able to count 8 rattles on him and he was very light in color, I presume he may have just got done shedding. I'm sure I'll see more before this year is over.
And thanks for the King Snake info Maggie, I was trying to remember that little ditty earlier...but I couldn't seem to find where I put it. :P
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Early Tuesday I saw a big-ole rattler when I was out watering. Although we've seen smaller ones, this was the largest I have seen so far. I think we get a little complacent when we don't see them for a while.
My hose sprinkled it slightly about the time I realized what it was and it slowly slithered it's way into the sage.
Then today, the neighbor had a baby one come out and head towards a stacked rock wall they have. Maybe I saw the Mama.
It was really cool, although a little scarey , but I want to be careful and leave them alone, since they are an important part of the food chain.
Is the best advice to back off slowly???
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Is the best advice to back off slowly???
I would say yes, but watch your step so you don't slip and fall or even step into another chance meeting with another snake.
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Well since we are seeing a lot of activity, I thought that maybe I should throw a few links on here on snake bite treatments (DO's and Dont's).
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/995_snakes.html
http://www.xmission.com/~gastown/herpmed/snbite.htm
http://www.bitesandstingsonline.com/Bites_Stings/snake-bite.htm
And please remember, watch your step about your yards and please make sure to educate kids about what they should do if they should happen upon a snake while playing in your yard or anywhere outside. They had two snake bite victims at Silverwood Lake last weekend. One was from kids playing with a snake, the other was a man who was trying to keep between some kids and a snake and ended up getting bit himself.
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Thanks for the expert clarification on the "timber" rattler Naturalist. We have a stuffed rattlesnake on display at Grassyhollow with the dark flat head.
When I first moved up here I was told over and over again we had timber rattlesnakes; and I initially believed them. The thinking was: we have rattlesnakes and we have timber thus we have timber rattlesnakes. That's when I picked up a National Audubon book on reptiles and found that a local species is the Southern Pacific rattler and that the timber rattler is confined to the eastern United States. There is a similarity between the two for us untrained observers and I still have problems convincing people of this.
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I'm all for saving the local snake population, but not at the expense of my 6-year-old and his friends. If I find a rattler in my yard I will call the fire department.
I don't fool around with this -- one of my friends lives in Yorba Linda. She was working around her outdoor pond and got bitten by several baby rattlers. Their venom is nothing to fool with, and we're glad it wasn't her 3 or 6-year-old that discovered the nest.
And yes, the king snake is gorgeous.
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Thanks for all the great info on snakes everybody. Now I have a question. I have a 6 month old curious pup, who I take hiking all the time. Have there been any incidents of dogs getting bit by snakes up here and most important, what should you do if your dog is bitten ?
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I know two people that have had their dogs bitten before and both dogs have lived through the ordeal. Infact, one dog(an austrailian sherperd) had been bitten twice in one year. One thing to always remember when hiking trails with your canine freind, is to always keep them leashed for their safety and yours. Anyhoot, treatment is pretty much the same for dogs as it is for us humans.
First identify the snake if possible and look at the bite. If it appears your dog has been bitten by a poisonous snake.
Keep the dog quiet. Excitement, exercise and struggling increase the rate of absorption. Carry your dog to the veterinarian.
Specific antivenoms are available through veterinarians. Snake bites become infected. Antibiotics and dressings are indicated.
Signs and symptoms:
Signs and symptoms depend on the size and species of the snake, location of the bite and amount of toxin absorbed into the system. The first signs are extreme restlessness, panting, drooling and weakness. They are followed by diarrhea, collapse, sometimes seizures, shock and. in severe cases, death.
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I had a miniature poodle that was bitten by a speckled rattlesnake a few years back. (O.K. Maybe it was a lot of years! I'm old.) Anyway she was 13, & was bitten on the neck. (She went after the snake...not a good thing.) She had a pretty ugly open draining wound for about a week, and was on steroids (too late for antivenin), but she came out just fine. Dogs seem to do better than people on that front.
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My friend's lab/chow mix was bitten by a snake once last year. The bite made a huge lump on his neck the size of a grapefruit. He was drooling and breathing heavy. We didn't catch it intime to do anything about it - overnight his breathing slowed down to about nothing and his heartrate dropped drastically. But by morning he was fine. He still has a droopy neck from the stretched out skin. But anyway - point is dogs are better off than people.
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Thanks for the feedback, Naturalist. My friend who was bitten by the baby rattlers was an EMT, so she came out better than some. You're right that the babies can be worse than the adults.
I do like watching them from a safe distance -- once I was driving slowly through the Santa Monica Mountains when I spotted one on the other side of the road. I backed up to the shoulder where I could watch him, but rolled up my windows -- apparently I thought he would fly in my car. ;)
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I am terrified of snakes!! Like a phobia. I gasp for air and panic. Which I know is a HUGE no no. We are doing lots of work to our house so we have LOTS of places for snakes to hide. We also have a huge rock mountain kinda thing (part of the landscape) We have a 3 kids ages 2, 6, and 9. Our 2 year old is SO curious. Always wanting to run away and explore. I am glad I found all of this info. I didn't even think about snakes being in our yard. We let our kids rome around the yard and didn't think twice about it. I think we will have a talk with our kids about snakes and keep tighter reins on the little one.
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Butterfly,
here's another King Snake on our driveway from last week.
Try not to be fearfully of King Snakes as they are not harmful to humans and are good to have around. They help keep the rodent population down.
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forumimg/nature/kingsnake7.JPG)
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Bring your King Snakes over to me! I've got a Lilac that needs watering that I don't want to get too close to since I saw that mongo mama rattler that came out of the patch of sage next to it. :o
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They do make repellents in either spray form or pellets. Most of the places I looked on the internet don't ship in CA but someone told me that you can find the sprays at a few of the Feed Supply places in SB or maybe even Phelan. They also have safe traps that you can use to safely trap the critters in. If I find out any further info, I will be sure to pass it along.
http://www.e-bug.net/pests/snakeaway.shtml
http://www.pestproducts.com/snakeinfo.htm
http://www.pestproducts.com/snaketrap.htm
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Butterfly,
here's another King Snake on our driveway from last week.
Try not to be fearfully of King Snakes as they are not harmful to humans and are good to have around. They help keep the rodent population down.
I had snakes as pets during my youth. My mother who was deathly afraid of snakes came to have a great respect for them. While I won't say she completely lost her fear, she got to the point that she could touch and hold them.
King Snakes are a valuable Wrightwood asset. Besides getting rid of rats and mice they are a natural enemy to the rattlesnake. They constrict their prey are are have been known to eat rattlesnakes much larger than themselves. King Snakes are known to live between 15 and 20 years. They are beautiful and are not harmful to humans in any way.
In some areas they can be confused with the very poisonous Coral Snake, don't worry about it. There are no Coral snakes in the Wrightwood area.
If you find a King Snake in your yard do not be afraid. Consider yourself very lucky. It will protect your property from vermin and rattlesnakes alike.
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Nice Post "Naturalist".
Baby rattlesnakes are only doing what they need to do for protection. As you encountered, in the countless rattlesnake encounters I have had, I have NEVER had one be aggressive, even after having practically stepping on them.
Rarely do you ever hear of anyone dying from a rattlesnake bite. The individual that died after being bit by a rattlesnake in Lytle Creek actually died of a HEART ATTACK! He was responding very well to anti-venom treatment as was expecting to be released shortly.
If you ever are bit by a rattlesnake, NO CUTTING, NO TOURNAQUETS. While there are some good suction devices that will suck much of the venom back through the original puncture wounds (I never hike without it), just remain calm and get help.
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I don't know what it is with snakes...big, little, aggresive, or non I just freak out when I see them. We have actually only had one encounter with a snake at our front porch. He matched the ground and as myself and my oldest son were walking out I ALMOST stepped on it. I think I jumped about 5ft in the air!! (exaggerated of course) gasping and yelling for Ensen to come and get it. I didn't know what kind it was...I thought for sure it was a rattler. Neighbor heard my yells and came to the rescue. :) He said it was a gardner snake ?? He picked it up near the end of the tail and put him close to a nearby bush and he slithered away. I haven't heard anyone talking about them so I don't know much about their aggresiveness...or if they are. Scared the daylights outta me. Thats for sure!! :o
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Butterfly, I believe most people are afraid of snakes because of the way they move. The slithering movement, to me, is translated into an uneasiness of not knowing where it will go next. Will it reverse on itself and jump at me? Will it quickly coil up and leap 20 feet at my face? Of course they won't, but just tell my inner self that. Then of course being reptiles they don't have that "warm fuzzy" feeling of mammals. Therefore, they must be something to be feared. Here again I know better, but just tell my inner self that.
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Snake trivia:
What do you call the 3 types of movement by which snakes get around? ???
(I actually know the answer! One of my neurons IS working! ;D)
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Very good, Robert!! ;D I believe that I learned the "caterpillar" movement as "rectilinear." Obviously, I've watched that ever-popular action-adventure classic "The Locomotion of Snakes." (It's a for real short documentary movie.)
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;D I believe that I learned the "caterpillar" movement as "rectilinear."
I knew there was a more "scientific" term for it. :)
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I've had people tell me about additional rattle snakes being found in Wrightwood.
Be extra careful & keep an eye on kids and pets.
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Nolena, hasn't anyone spoken to you about your choice of movies? I mean after all "The Locomotion of Snakes". I mean everyone knows a Locomotion is a big engine thingy that pulls trains. ;D
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OOOhhh.....Poo....Das Witchy Poo got to hold her first wild king snake ever today....Kriky....what a thrill it was. He was so dern cute I didn't want to let him go, but wild....is wild. He was such a beauty considering he was a youngster. It was surely the highlite of my day.
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OOOhhh.....Poo....Das Witchy Poo got to hold her first wild king snake ever today....Kriky....what a thrill it was. He was so dern cute I didn't want to let him go, but wild....is wild. He was such a beauty considering he was a youngster. It was surely the highlite of my day.
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/nature/babyKing1.JPG)
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/nature/babyKing3.JPG)
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/nature/babyKing4.JPG)
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On Monday, June 16th I received a call from a rancher on N4 past Mile High Cafe. they needed the brush cleared from their horse corrals immediately because a Pacific Rattler 3 1/2 feet long had bitten one of their Arabians midway between the nose and eye. The yearlings head swelled up to double its normal size within 45 minutes and they had to call a vet to put this magnificent animal down. In 90 minutes a 1/2 ton animal succumbed to the rattlesnake venom. A snake was found and killed nearby that evening but it was a lesson in their deadliness. Does anyone know any good remedies or links to create a barrier that Rattlers won't cross that are enviromentally friendly?
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Yesterday morning Elmer Jr. and I were out waddling on the Pacific Crest Trail west of Jackson Flat Campground. I was leading, my son likes for me to be the initial target for anything unknown, although he always says he thinks of me as a leader. Lead what? We're hiking on the PCT for crying out loud. What's to lead? Well anyway...
We had hiked through this section about a half hour earlier and came across several other hiking groups which had just come through the section. We were talking and enjoying the beautiful morning with the cool shade and brilliant sky. So the noise of our voices, the clomping of our boots and clicking of our trekking poles were advertising our approach ( I don't like to sneak up on anything).
We passed a bush which was about a foot off the trail; and as we passed we heard that disturbing rattling sound. By the time we realized it, we had gone a few feet beyond where we thought the sound came from (is this a dangling participle?) and we looked back to see the snake moving away from us deeper into the bush. It was a Southern Pacific and was obviously more afraid of us than we were of it. Of course this is debateable as it is somewhat difficult to continue hiking with soiled underwear.
We continued the hike to Lightning Ridge through the heavy vegetation which lines the trail with new interest and concern. Do you realize how many sticks and limbs look like snakes? Do you realize how disconcerting the sound of lizards scurrying through the undergrow can be. Of course Elmer Jr. insisted I "lead". What a guy!
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Elmer-
I was told that you only have to worry about snakes is when you are third on the trail since the first hiker wakes the snake up, the second one ticks him off, and it's the third hiker that gets bitten.
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Thanks for the input Arizona. I guess, maybe, I'm a born leader! I'm just wondering who I don't like enough to invite as a third for our next hike? ;)
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Elmer,
Have you thought of asking the lady up on Acorn, maybe bring her flowers like Nolena suggested. ;)
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Oh, how cold! Thank God I'm a humanitarian by nature with nothing but nice thoughts for everyone. I would never do anything like that. ;D
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Now, now.
One thing that's worked for me when I've come to a snake on the trail is to pick up little rocks & throw them one at a time toward the snake's head...not hard. They don't like that (even if not one rock hits them) and they crawl away (hopefully far). That's worked for me quite a few times.
The other technique that's worked for me is to have Elmer 3rd in line..... ;)
(Just kidding, Elmer.)
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Oh Nolena, I'm crushed - absolutely crushed. I would never harm a fly and you're talking like making me a fang target. I'm shocked, absolutely shocked.
Actually...I don't mind the snakes when I can see them. It's just when they're hidden in a bush, next to a trail and they turn on the rattle machine that bugs me. It's the shock/fright effect it has. Then seeing it is actually a relief because you then know where the little bugger is. We didn't know whether to jump left, jump right, jump forward, jump backward or what until we knew where he was. Hey Nolena, how'd you like to go for a hike along with Elmer Jr and me? We could always use a threesome.
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Sounds great, as soon as I get over this pneumonia thing. Of course, I can't be third.....
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Following behind a Rattler while on Blue Ridge, late this afternoon.
I can count 9-10 rattles on this 3ft snake.
(http://www.incidentcontrol.com/images/nature/BlueRidgeRattler.JPG)
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A nice thing about the Southern Pacific is its nonaggressive behavior. It's kind of lilke "you leave me alone, I'll leave you alone, ok?" Some folks from down the hill ask about these reptiles. A surprisingly large number are under the impression that all rattlesnakes will attack and chase after you. As evidence by your photo, he/she knew you were there but he/she didn't want to have anything to do with you. Don't take it personal Wrightwood. ;)
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There was a rattlesnake bite last week at one of the organizational camps in Wrightwood. A sixteen year old female was playing nerf ball after dark on her first night in camp and reached over a pile of rocks to retrieve the ball and was bitten.
She was only hit with one fang on her index finger but had definite envenomation. She never saw the snake...it was dark. Swelling, discoloration and localized pain were evident when she showed up at the Wrightwood Fire Station.
She was taken to one of the two local hospitals that have the new
CROFAB anti venom. At four the next morning, she was still in considerable pain but it appeared there would be no major loss of tissue or use of her hand.
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Follow Up to previous post...
CROFAB is a brand name for anti-venom given to folks that are bitten by rattlesnakes. It supposedly works better for both the hemotoxic and neurotoxic snake venoms found in the West. It is tolerated by more people and there seems to be less side effects to the patient. Those who watched the TLC program, "Venom ER" , about Dr. Shaun Bush and his pioneering work with victims of snake bite saw the product being used on patients. Not all hospitals have it and those who don't are using the old style which can cause some severe reactions. Loma Linda University and Desert Valley Community Hospital both carry the CROFAB anti-venom.
In any event where there is a possibility of rattlesnake envenomation....rapid transport to a hospital means minimizing tissue loss and nerve damage.
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It's time this topic goes back to the top. Right now SB County Fire is working a call in the high desert for a little girl bitten by a rattler. She's being flown by Mercy Air to Loma Linda Hospital.
The Animal Planet channel has an excellent show on snake bites. Venom ER includes footage on last year's Lytle Creek snake bite victim and his subsequent death from a Southern Pacific Rattler.
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Does anyone know what kind of baby snake has a bright blue tail-end? I saw one fleeing the yard today.
hanks.
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There is a new immunity shot for dogs for rattlesnake venom. I don't think it works on the neurotoxin venom like the mojave green but it will HELP dogs against rattlesnake bites from other rattlers. The dog gets one shot, then a month later another shot, then a yearly booster. It just came out and I got a pamphlet on it from my vet. I'm thinking about getting my guys vaccinated. It is not a "cure" but gives their immune system a boost if they get bit and will buy them some time for you to get them to the vet.
I spent $1100 last year on my big black lab who got bit in the leg. 4 vials of anti-venom and an overnite at the emergency vet was NOT cheap!
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TableMtn was kind enough to come up with a website for the company who has the product:
http://www.redrockbiologics.com/
I'm sure they could tell you of local vets that would carry the immunity shots.
Snake news:
We saw a large rattler just off Lone Pine Canyon Road this morning and another smashed one in the middle of Lone Pine Canyon Road. Be Carefull!
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TableMtn,
How much did they charge for the immunity shot ?
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Wrightwood and I stopped in a turnout along LPC today and the instant I opened the truck door, heard a familiar rattling sound. There was a VERY fat and VERY angry Rattler curled up in a bush beside the turnout. We have also seen two road kill rattlers, one being carried off by a Raven, on LPC in the last ten days. So if you must stop along LPC for any reason be very carefull. And of course watch out that one doesn't suddenly run across the road in front of you, and cause you to lose control and roll your vehicle. Of course with snow board season over, that's pretty unlikely. ;D
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How close were you?
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The photos were taken from about 15 feet.
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I'm new to Wrightwood and worring about snakes. Can anyone tell me what I can do to keep my yard safe? I have a wood pile under the deck area of the house and a shed and some tall grass on the side. What are some of the typical areas they hide? I also have some playground equipment my kids use. Should I worry about that?
thanks
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The wood pile is a place to keep an eye on. Raise the wood pile so it's not laying directly on the ground. You can also tent the wood pile with plastic and it will help.
As far as the weeds or tall grass by the shed it needs to be cut soon anyway as wildfire season is here.
The more brush, weeds and piles of wood the bigger risks for rattlers. You'll notice the top picture is of a rattler being pulled from a wood pile.
If you are lucky enough to have the a king snake around your property make sure to leave it as they will keep the rattlers away.
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To the best of my recollection, it was about 6-8 inches. Looked like a racer, or garter type snake, but I just wanted to make sure since my kids play outside a lot and those type give no audible warnings that I know of. No others have been noticed yet. Down the hill at El Mirage we have come across several large Mojave green while riding up in the hills around the lakebed. Sometimes you can't help but run over a portion of them when they are slithering all the way across a trail and there is no way to stop or avoid them. Pretty creepy!
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Sounds more like you're talking about a Skink.
Years back we were working on a wood pile and a skink with a blue tail took off we were shocked on how fast it was and were positive it was a snake.
We don't have snakes that are blue that I'm aware of.
Here's a page with information about skinks.
http://www.werc.usgs.gov/fieldguide/eusk.htm
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Wow, that pic with the bright blue tail is exactly what it looked like! Thanks Wrightwood! It was weaving in and out of the grass so fast I didn't realize it wasn't even a snake.
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The wood under the deck presents a hazard other than snakes. Fire. Wood piles should not be under decks or under the eaves of the house. Move it out away from the house.
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Are you going?
Can you give us a report?
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Sorry no, snakes are not big on my list, but I thought there might be other forum members that would be interested.
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It would be nice if someone from the Fire department or Paramedics were going. I find that this would be very interesting considering living up here in the mountains and also from a nursing perspective. But, unfortunately, I can not go.
I hope, if anyone does go they will share their information with us.
TY Boston Bob for sharing, I am going to check out some of the sites coming from that link. This will be my first Rattlesnake season up here.
Donna
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Did anyone get the Chance to see the Venom ER series on Animal Planet. Dr Sean Bush who was the MD on the program is speaking. I saw the program and found it very interesting, was in fact disappointed to see it end.
Donna
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This was in today's Daily Press and it seemed like interesting training for your dog for those that are hikers or who might come in contact with snakes. Has anyone on the forum ever had their dog go through this program?
Rattlesnake avoidance clinic planned
Hello and welcome back to Critter Corner!
With Susan Lawson now in Oregon, we'll do our best to fill her shoes, difficult as that will be.
If your group has news items for Critter Corner, please let me know so we can keep everyone up to date.
Now that our desert is warming up, so are the hibernating critters. Once again we need to be on the lookout for snakes, especially on warm nights. As the experts have told us, new housing development and lots of vegetation increase our chances of an encounter. That goes for our pets, too.
With this in mind, the Mojave Greens K-9 Training Club is hosting its annual Rattlesnake Avoidance Clinic for dogs on May 7 at S.C.L.A. (formerly George AFB) in Victorville.
The clinic will be conducted by Patrick Callaghan, one of the foremost rattlesnake avoidance trainers in the country. Advance registration and specific appointment times are required. This annual clinic always fills up rapidly.
Callaghan uses muzzled rattlesnakes for the clinic to help dog learn to recognize and avoid rattlesnakes by sound, sight and scent. It only takes a short time for each enrolled dog to go through the training, and it can be a life-saver. There is a registration fee. For information on enrolling your dog, call (760) 240-4300.
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And don't forget the new rattlesnake vaccine for your dog. I don't think it will help with a mojave green (neurotoxin venom as opposed to a digestive venom) and won't make your animal totally immune. However, it will buy you time and reduce the reaction to get you time to get your dog to the vet. My black lab got bit 2 years ago (before the vaccine came out) and it was $450 for the antivenom alone. Total of $1100 and an overnight stay at the emergency vet and he was VERY sick for a couple of days. The shot is $35 for the first innoculation at my vet then they need a booster 30 days later for about the same price. After that, it is just an annual shot. If it means they don't get as sick, it saves a lot of money and heartache in the long run.
And when I found a very large rattlesnake skin about 3 months after he had been bit--I showed it to him. He took one sniff and immediately turned and ran. I think he got the ultimate snake avoidance training! :P
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A reminder. The snakes are out.
We've lived here for 25 years and had never seen a rattler before today. My wife just found a 5'+ Mojave Green in our yard (in Phelan). Unfortunately it was necessary to dispatch it, as it was under a bush within 3' of the front gate to our yard. By the way, if anyone has an extra king snake I will gladly take it off your hands.
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went up this last weekend to see if they finished the house but found a snake on our back poarch and it is like 2 ft up off the ground.... is there any way to keep them out of my 2.5 acres?
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Wonderin if anyone has seen any snakes up here in WW recently.
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Saw a dead rattler near the top of Lone Pine this past sunday, pretty small. My wife almost stepped on a 4 footer the week before in Joshua Tree. With all the rain there's bound to be alot out there this year.
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Will you look at that? I gave Deadhead his first karma. Thanks for the info, Deadhead.
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A reminder. The snakes are out.
We've lived here for 25 years and had never seen a rattler before today. My wife just found a 5'+ Mojave Green in our yard (in Phelan). Unfortunately it was necessary to dispatch it, as it was under a bush within 3' of the front gate to our yard. By the way, if anyone has an extra king snake I will gladly take it off your hands.
That is really scarey! Mojave Green is one of the worst! Be careful out there!
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The road runners we have at WMS keep the snakes out...
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Geez, a 5' long Mojave Green? I can live with the rattlesnakes up here in WW, but that's different...
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A guy that works for my husband was on his way to work when he called and said he wasn't going to make it. He turned around and came home to Victorville when he noticed that his arm and hand was in a lot of pain. Apparantly he had gone to bag up some trimmings early that morning and thought he had scratched his hand on one of the branches. But when he had gotten to the hospital they figured out that he had been bitten by a rattle snake. My advice is to not leave any trimmings laying around for these snakes to hide in. And try and stay away from thick brush if possible.
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Stepped on a small Pacific Rattlesnake (3 rattles....1 1/2 feet long) that was sunning itself on my home sidewalk yesterday afternoon. I was carrying a bag of bird seed and looking at the bird feeders. I didn't see the snake until after I stepped on it and it started rattling. At that point I had a near death experience after realizing what the soft lump was under my boots. He looked like he had a mouse or rat in his belly. Don't know who was more scared....the snake or me. That's only the second one we've seen and in the exact same spot.
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Looks like you dodged a bullet there Wildman. You might want to go out and buy yourself a lottery ticket. Heard those little ones can do a lot of damage, so I am glad you were lucky.
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Forgot to mention in my last post about the Rattlesnake Avoidance Clinic I am taking my dog to this weekend at the old George AFB facility. It's put on by the Mojave Green Dog Training Club and provides training that will make your dog not want to get close to a rattlesnake. Living in snake country, seems like a reasonable thing to do for the dog. I'll report back on the clinic (maybe some pictures), how effective it seems and whether they will be having another one.
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Do they offer Rattlesnake Avoidance for horses?
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Glad you're OK Wildman. So how did you get out of the situation?
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Sure glad that you got out of that situation alright. It was probably a toss up as to who was more scared. I'll bet neither of you stopped to argue the point.
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Glad you're OK Wildman. So how did you get out of the situation?
Sheer, dumb luck. I was totally focused on getting to the bird feeders and didn't look down until I was past and heard the buzzing. In that one stride I went from zoned out to having more adrenaline coursing through my veins then I care to have. The snake just slithered very quickly (while loudly buzzing his rattles) into the manzanita bush next to the sidewalk. I don't really know what his reaction was at the moment I stepped on him because I wasn't looking and heard him before I found him with my eyes. I had grown complacent but I sure instantly recognized that buzzing sound for what it was.
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Id love to see my pack of huskies do that they would have the snake before you could shock them lol :laugh:
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I have to agree, Wildman! Having spent $1,100 at the emergency vet for my 85 lb black lab who got bit by a rattler, I want my dogs to avoid snakes at all costs. My lab/beagle/blue tick mix scared up a rattler yesterday but she was 20 feet away and although curious, she wasn't getting ANY closer to that "buzzworm." And I have Mojave Greens on my property which have a neurotoxin, not a regular rattlesnake toxin. They can be deadly!
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A 9 year old was bitten at Silverwood Lake. Here's the link to the story:
http://www.nbc4.tv/news/4469198/detail.html?treets=la&tml=la_9am&ts=T&tmi=la_9am_1_11000105102005
Going to keep my eyes WIDE open this year.
Laura
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Yes they are! We had a baby rattle snake this morning that was two feet from me on my driveway. Also, today a coil snake? (black with yellow stripe) next to a ladder.
Last summer we incountered 6 snakes -4 rattle and two diamond backs on our property. And now we have incountered on our property 3 in two days. I would appreciate any advise of how to rid of having so many every year (like probably not?). We keep our property very cleared out of brush but do live dead end to Pacific Crest Canyon property and have a big hill behind our house.
I have a 6 yr old child and have constantly made him aware of what to do if he see one but am still so concerned for him.
Any suggestion or comments would be greatly appreciated - I just don't know if I can take another summer of so many snakes. "Everyone BEWARE!"
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Don't get rid of the "black with yellow stripe" king snake as they are known for eating rattlers.
The king snakes are harmless to humans and dogs.
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ohh cool a snake i can pet! ;D
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I believe the snake in my yard was a "racer". it had two yellow stripes on each side of it's body lenghtwise. Does anyone know for sure?
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Sounds like a King Snake.....but I am not sure
Sorry :P
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If it was a narrow snake with two yellow stripes that ran the length and that moved fairly quick....might have been the common garter snake. They live around here and love bugs and very small rodents.
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Did it look like this
(http://www.herpnet.net/Iowa-Herpetology/images/snakes/e_gartersnake.jpg)
If yes its a common garter snake like wildman said... If no then please hang up and try again... lol I felt like an automated telephone menu... ::) ;D
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looked close to this except no beige strip in the middle, but all black and only a yellow stripe on each of it's sides. maybe just a beigeless stripe garter snake????? -lol's
yes, it was quick moving.
i'll hang up now funky gorilla - but feel free to call again lol's.
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Last year walking the dogs up on Finch I came across a dead Mountain King Snake. I was soooo bummed it was dead. Mtn. Kings are my favorite snake.
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The king snakes are so beautiful. Last year I saw one in our yard and I was so glad it was around. I wish no ill will to our rattlesnakes--just don't want to run into one unexpectedly as I did the summer before last.
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well gang.... I had another baby rattle snake today in my yard. I read in a catalog there is a natural power available "Snake Away" that I guess you put up and around your house - Does anyone know if this works???
Is there anyone I can call to to remove/relocate these snakes? I am freaking out about now! 4 in a less than a week is too much for me to handle!!!!!
Thanks!
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well gang.... I had another baby rattle snake today in my yard. I read in a catalog there is a natural power available "Snake Away" that I guess you put up and around your house - Does anyone know if this works???
Is there anyone I can call to to remove/relocate these snakes? I am freaking out about now! 4 in a less than a week is too much for me to handle!!!!!
Thanks!
Try Animal Control.
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Good luck with animal control. Our neighbor (when we lived in Pinon Hills) had a rattlesnake in her house. Animal Control never showed up, after repeated calls. The fire department eventually helped out.
Maybe animal control is just understaffed, but it was very frustrating.
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I would advise you buy a snake stick. I bought mine from a place in Texas over the Internet. It's a long stick with a clamp on the bottom. It allows you to safely pick up and either relocate a rattler to an unpopulated area, or hold it securely while you kill it. Here's a similar one to the one I have:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=1285&item=4379929145
You might also think about putting out some sticky snake traps. They are the larger ones used for mice and rats. They aren't pretty because they snake is alive but stuck, but with four snakes in your yard, I think you have a nest somewhere.
Laura
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im getting one with my dog restraint stick soon
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last year I called Animal Control and they told me to watch the snake till they got to my house....well.....1 hour of watching this snake no one showed so I called them....their reply "sorry don't know when we can come" and they never did!
Is it ok to call the fire dept on such an issue???
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dont see why it wouldnt.. if they would probably help you out when there were no calls may have a little wait but they would probably get there
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I would advise you buy a snake stick. I bought mine from a place in Texas over the Internet. It's a long stick with a clamp on the bottom. It allows you to safely pick up and either relocate a rattler to an unpopulated area, or hold it securely while you kill it. Here's a similar one to the one I have:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=1285&item=4379929145
You might also think about putting out some sticky snake traps. They are the larger ones used for mice and rats. They aren't pretty because they snake is alive but stuck, but with four snakes in your yard, I think you have a nest somewhere.
Laura
Good advice.
Snake sticks work well. I used them a lot in a previous job to relocate snakes. (Kept the snakes in an aquarium until the temperature cooled off and then drove the snakes to a good area & released them.)
A rake will also work for picking them up. You pick them up between the tines, as close to the middle of their bodies as you can.
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last year I called Animal Control and they told me to watch the snake till they got to my house....well.....1 hour of watching this snake no one showed so I called them....their reply "sorry don't know when we can come" and they never did!
Is it ok to call the fire dept on such an issue???
Go to post number 1 on this thread. The Fire Department will come out and deal with the snake. They are equipped with professional snake grabbers. The outcome for the snake will depend where you live and how close your neighbors are....pets....other kids, etc. They traditionally will not relocate snakes using barrels, tubs, bags, etc. Each circumstance is unique.
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Beware!!
Two snake encounters occurred yesterday that I know about.
A dog was bitten by a rattler on the upper Heath Canyon levee road, behind the Church Camp. Outcome unknown at this time and I believe it may have been a forum members dog.
Wildman had his 2nd close call with a rattler near his front porch in Horse Canyon on Saturday. This time the rattler struck his leg.
I'll let him finish telling this unbelievable story.
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;D and still waiting, I just love stories
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Oh come on already Wildman quit teasing us. :-[
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saw me a snake out back of my property this last thursday got a pic of it... :laugh:
(http://upl.silentwhisper.net/uplfolders/upload0/Picture_018s.jpg)
(http://upl.silentwhisper.net/uplfolders/upload0/Picture_017s.jpg)
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Cool photos Funky! There is no way I would have gotten close enough to take photos!
Good job!
:2thumbsup:
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Unless I am mistaken...
Looks like a Gopher Snake to me.
NOT POISONOUS.
Also it has a slender head. I believe (someone correct me if I'm wrong) all of the local poisonous snakes have a very distinct triangle (viper) head.
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I didnt kill it just watched it go across my property and lost it in the brush on the property since my brush is gone :laugh:
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I saw a medium-sized gopher snake at the Country Club. It crawled away before my feet returned to the ground. (Surprised me just a tad.)
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:o WOW!!! :o
Thanks for the story, Wildman!
Here's a Karma point for you!!! :2thumbsup:
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Yeah, Wildman, you get a karma point from me, too, for:
a) not getting bitten,
b) bringing this danger to our awareness, (lousy English; good thought),
and,
c) keeping safety awareness in the forefront.
Glad no one (human or animal) was bitten.
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I would give ya some Karma if I could wildman. Be safe and let us know if you have anymore encounters.
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We've seen quite a few snakes in Phelan, in the vicinity of Wilson Ranch Rd., north of Phelan Rd. I've counted 3 gopher snakes, 2 king snakes, and a red racer (also called a coachwhip). Fortunately no rattlesnakes yet. I think perhaps the proximity of so many snakes that are natural enemies of rattlers might be keeping them away.
That's the most I've seen in probably 15 years. Last time I saw that many in such a short time they were mostly rattlesnakes, including one enormous one trying to make its way across Johnson Rd., near Sunnyslope. I nearly ran over it on my bicycle. Scared the CRAP outta me. :-\
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The dog that was bit by the rattler last week no longer has a tail as the vet removed it.
Beware!!
Two snake encounters occurred yesterday that I know about.
A dog was bitten by a rattler on the upper Heath Canyon levee road, behind the Church Camp. Outcome unknown at this time and I believe it may have been a forum members dog.
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Thanks for the update, so sad to hear they had to take the tail. A friends mom's dobie in Phelan was bite by a rattler last week in the paw, bad swelling ans several hundred dollars at the vet and the dog seems to be ok now, no major problems.
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Interesting note on dogs getting bit by rattlesnakes. I just assumed that when a dog got bit, you took them to the vet and they gave them anti-venom like humans. Anti-venom is extremely expensive.
Dr. Wagner has had remarkable success treating snake bit dogs without giving anti-venom. He treats the dogs with fluids, steroids and antibiotics and has around a 95 % success rate and without taking out a second mortage to do it.
I also asked him about the new vaccine for dogs against rattlesnake venom but he didn't have a strong sense that it was worth the investment.
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Please let us know.
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Did you say "frequently stepping on rattlesnakes"??
*shudder*
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I found a small gopher snake under the house this morning stuck to a glue trap for mice. It wasn't easy to free the snake of the glue but in the end the little guy was released near the guzzler and appeared ok.
http://www.desertusa.com/mag99/july/papr/gophersnake.html
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Vegetable oil will get em out. I don't like to kill the mice, so I relocate them. Did it twice and they seemed ok, but I bet thier cholesterol level went up.
I'll give you Karma tomorrow for not killing the snake!
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I like snakes, too. ((They can't help it if they have no legs. Legs are over-rated, anyway.)
I don't kill them; I relocate them. After all, it's us who moved into their territory.
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Poor little snake. He was just lookin for a meal. Karma for not killin it. I love reptiles
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Oh Yah I have been meaning to ask, what is the "Guzzler"?
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isnt it that thingy with water wrightwood had the nature cam on before the birds came along again ???
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No.....but I am researching a product that is supposed to keep snakes away from your property. I have ordered some (skeptic that I am) and will give it a test and report back on the results. I figure that if I can avoid or reduce the trauma of frequently stepping on rattlesnakes, it might be a good investment. If it works to keep other types away, that would be a bonus. I'll let you know.
I would be very interested in your report. Good luck and be safe.
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Hey Wildman, have you ever thought of or tried using snake fence around your property? Here is a link:
http://www.fencefactory.com/otr-msh-fab.html
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Hey Wildman, have you ever thought of or tried using snake fence around your property? Here is a link:
http://www.fencefactory.com/otr-msh-fab.html
No....but I am considering hiring a group of beaters that will travel just ahead of me with sticks and cans with stones....loudly announcing my impending passage. Kinda like you see on the National Geographic Channel when they are in tiger country in India. Not sure how effective that idea is as I believe that not only do they not have legs but are deaf as well.
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Now Wildman--haven't you heard the saying, "First person wakes the snake up, second person makes it mad and the third person is the one who gets bitten!"? So if you hire those beaters, make sure you hire at least three and walk behind ALL of them ;) :D
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Whats the pay wildman? ;D
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I have a 2 year old lab that i am taking to a rattlesnake avoidance training class at the Gameland Kennels Dog Training Center in Corona on july 16. I hope that the dog learns how to avoid the snakes which will let me know when i am out walking with him were the snakes are. So i can avoid them too. I dont know how they do this other than they do use live snakes to train with. I will update the forum after we take the class to see if it is worth the $65.00. If it will protect my dog from sticking his nose in the wrong place it will be worth the money.
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Great info, glad to hear it worked.
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Patrick Callaghan is who is doing this class to. Sounds like your dog learned that rattle snakes are not to fool with. Thats what i want for mine plus with my eye sight so bad it will help me not walking in the wrong place. They do say a maintenance class keeps them refreshed about avoiding snakes. We will see if mine learns that fast i hope he does.
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"Basicly they just use the horse's bloodstream to develope the anti-bodies or serums needed by injecting small amounts of the disease or venom. "
And lots of folk are allergic to horses. So one of the reasons you can't buy anti-venom for your first aid kit (besides cost and need for refrigeration) is that many people will respond to the anti-venom by going into anaphyllactic shock. So the hospital routine is shot of anti-venom, shot of epinephrine, when patient starts to recover, repeat, repeat, repeat.
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The newer CroFab brand of antivenin is of ovine (sheep) derivation. Supposedly less allergenic.
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And lots of folk are allergic to horses. So one of the reasons you can't buy anti-venom for your first aid kit (besides cost and need for refrigeration) is that many people will respond to the anti-venom by going into anaphyllactic shock.
WHOOOBOY--you got that one right! I forgot about my brother being allergic to horse serum tentus. He got a cut on some rusty nasty thing as a kid and when he got the shot, his arm swelled up like a ballon. They were worried they were going to have to split the skin to keep it from bursting. He is an amature race car driver and has to have that allergy listed on his helmet. Very interesting abuot developing sheep derived antivenum (hmmm, but he is also allergic to wool :P )
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My first live snake I've come across since I have been up here. This is a Mountain King Snake that I snapped pictures of two days ago up on Blue Ridge. Please do not tell anybody because Mountain King Snakes do not exist in our area. ;)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Chesslike/kingsnake07-11011.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/Chesslike/kingsnake07-110132.jpg)
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I have seen king snakes before (about 3 times) in the Desert Front area. I am so scared of rattlesnakes though! :-[ :'(
I love the photos! Good job Bob!
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Don't let Bob fool ya, he's been a snake charmer for years.
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/nature/BobKingSnake1.JPG)
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(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/nature/BobSnake2.JPG)
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Thanks a lot Wrightwood! Now I'm being bombarded with emails telling me where on E-Bay I can bid on snake charmer baskets and flutes. ;)
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I just knew you were a snake charmer! I just knew you had that talent!
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Now, Bob, don't have a hissy fit about it! ;D
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lol... ;D
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I knew Bob was a charmer, but never would have guessed that his skills included snakes! ;D
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I just walked right outside my house to go get some air and I heard something moving around in my racecar parts. I gave them a little kick and a HUGE (3 foot or so) rattler came slithering past rattling at me.
Be on the lookout!
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Just curious, what area of town are you located?
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I knew Bob was a charmer, but never would have guessed that his skills included snakes! ;D
Aren't you sweet Arty! I thought you were going to lead into something about me and selling snake oil. ;D
Hey that Just For Men Mustache Coloring really took all the grey out of my mustache. ;)
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Just curious, what area of town are you located?
East side near the wash.
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Humm... looks like all the latest encounters have been on the east side... maybe thats good news for us semi-westsiders..
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Took my dog Marley (lab) to the rattlesnake avoidance training
and just like Wildman said the first phase was sight and scent They had a snake with the mouth and rattles taped led Marley in from different angles to approach the snake and when he saw the snake they shocked the heck out of him several times(which was kinda hard to see you dog feal pain) Then to the next phase sound and reinforcement of the sight and scent. Now the snakes rattles are shaking like crazy it only took twice and Marley didn't want anything more to do with that snake. The final phase is avoiding the snake were the snake is between the dog and myself and i call my dog to me which ever way the dog would go i went to and when he got to me he was one scared dog. So hopefully this will help around the house or camp or when we are out on a hike one for his protection and mine so like i dummy i wont walk up on a snake. Getting us both in harms way.
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What a little beauty.... The snake is nice, too!!! :2thumbsup:
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/nature/BobKingSnake1.JPG)
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Was that here in town? I have only seen one Mountian King and it was dead. They are my favorite snake!
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On Blue Ridge Road - near Mt High West. Late afternoon/evening
Was that here in town? I have only seen one Mountian King and it was dead. They are my favorite snake!
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Great photo of a great snake! It makes me feel good inside to know the little buggers are out there surviving despite us!
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Summer brings rise in snake-bite victims
The Sun 7-23-05
By Gina Tenorio, Staff Writer
Summer days are here with warmer weather and a few more concerns for physician and venom expert Sean P. Bush.
"It's been the busiest year that I've ever seen,' said the Loma Linda University Medical Center specialist in treating snake-bite victims. "I've been following all the snake bites in the area.'
There have been a lot.
Since March, a month in which Bush began to see an increase in snake-bite cases, there have been 35 cases. There are usually about 50 for an entire snake-bite season, March through October.
"I expect that this is going to be by far the busiest season for Loma Linda (University Medical Center),' Bush said.
One reason may be because rattlesnakes are moving around more this year than they have in the past, Bush said. Theories behind the reason for this are varied depending on who you ask, he said.
Bush, whose work treating snake-bite victims was featured on the Animal Planet show "Venom ER,' has worked with colleagues like researcher and biology student Mike Cardwell to track snakes. They have noticed some trends.
Among them, "most of the snakes crawling around are males looking for females,' Cardwell said.
Most of the female rattlers are staying within a certain area while the males are venturing out to find them. This may be increasing the chances of encounters with people, Cardwell said.
They noticed the trend after years of capturing snakes, implanting them with electronic chips and tracking them by radio. Why it's happening this season may be connected to this year's near-record rains, Cardwell said.
Add to this the growing number of homes going up in the desert and foothills, both of which are snake habitats.
Many new homeowners are moving into areas frequented by six species of rattlesnakes: the Mojave, southern Pacific, red diamond, western diamondback, speckled and sidewinder.
"People are looking for housing in the High Desert,' Bush said. "Formerly these were very remote areas. Now (residents) are running into rattlesnakes.'
But increased movement alone does not mean people will be bitten, Cardwell and Bush said.
"Most snake bites statistically occur when people intentionally bother the snake,' Cardwell said. "Instead of turning around, leaving it alone, they try to make it rattle or make it strike or pick it up. Virtually all rattlesnake bites to people are defensive.'
The most likely to be bitten are young males, he added. About 80percent are males and fewer than 20percent are females. The majority of the males were bothering the snake, he said.
Most snake bites are avoidable if people follow some simple guidelines, Bush said.
"Keep the garage door closed,' Bush said. "Eliminate debris from anywhere where they can get bitten. Shrubs that haven't been maintained are a problem.'
Be aware that snakes will sit under a bird feeder and wait for rodents who come to feed on seeds that drop to the ground. They're ambush predators, Bush said.
If you have a wood pile, put it on a rack, Cardwell said. It does not eliminate the snakes, but it reduces the chances of running into one. Hikers should watch where they walk.
"And as long as people are careful where they put their hands and feet, especially their unprotected hands and feet, they should be fine,' Bush said.
If you are bitten, get immediate medical attention.
First aid does no good. Neither does cutting or icing. Staying calm helps.
"The only proven therapy for a snake bite is anti-venom,' Bush said.
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QUICK SUMMARY: The most likely to be bitten are young males, he added.
About 80 percent are males and fewer than 20 percent are females.
The majority of the males were bothering the snake, he said.
Boys will be boys. :)
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Six species of rattlesnakes live here: southern Pacific, red diamond, Mojave, sidewinder, speckled, and western diamondback.
Excellent page on local rattlesnakes:
http://www.llu.edu/llumc/emergency/venom-er/scal-snakes.html
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Outstanding information and the pictures are clear for identification. Also addresses the brown recluse (or desert recluse) spider.
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Any how many can Wildman identify that he's stepped on?
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Anyone with problem snakes (ESPECIALLY Wildman!) please contact Boston Bob. He will come to your house, remove the snake, put it in a basket, pull out a flute, and then make the snake dance.
Snake removal and entertainment all in one fell swoop! :2thumbsup:
He's available 24/7.
It's O. K., Bob, you don't have to thank me. ;)
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Ironically, since giving my snakes such public discussion, haven't seen anything but gopher and garter snakes. We have a number of garters....I assume they like the plentiful toad population and fish in the ponds.
I'll give Bob a call next time the "other guys" show up.
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Thank goodness! I saw there was a post by Wildman and thought he'd stepped on another one! Last year I saw a pacific rattler twice and a king snake. Haven't seen any snakes yet this year, but keeping my eyes open. :o
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Ps. Good thing we have Bob in town to take care of the snakes.
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Speaking of rattlers and dogs. I heard the neighbors dog that rarely barks going nuts this afternoon. After checking I spotted a southern pacific rattlesnake inches from the dog. We retrieved the neighbors gate key and were able to keep the dogs away from the snake while using snake tongs to remove the danger from the yard.
The dogs were fortunate that we got there before the 3 foot rattler ruined their day!
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/nature/RattlerBlue2.JPG)
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/nature/RattlerBlue4.JPG)
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/nature/RattlerHead1.JPG)
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But, where's Bob? ???
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Mr. Snake with those fangs you have my respect.
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Gorgeous dog..... He looks a bit wolfy.... That's really scary... My dogs never bark, now I know if they are going off what it might be....
Thanks.
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Dang my huskies would be playing with it... That is a smart husky... I Also Found 2 scorpions in my yard saturday... Sliced them in 1/2 with a shovel.... ::)
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But, where's Bob? ???
The flute did not work on him, so Bob had to go home and change his pants :-\.
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(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/nature/RattlerHead1.JPG)
WOW! This picture just took the "wind out of my sail" for my close up Black Widow Spider picture that I was going to post.
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6pm when I took the first photo so it was a few minutes before that when I first heard the dog.
It was strange that the snake was in the middle of the neighbors back yard on some rocks. The two dogs roam the yard during the day and surprised they didn't find the snake while it made it's way to the middle of the yard.... It appears they were napping on the job :P
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Speaking of rattlers and dogs. I heard the neighbors dog that rarely barks going nuts this afternoon. After checking I spotted a southern pacific rattlesnake inches from the dog. We retrieved the neighbors gate key and were able to keep the dogs away from the snake while using snake tongs to remove the danger from the yard.
The dogs were fortunate that we got there before the 3 foot rattler ruined their day!
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/nature/RattlerBlue2.JPG)
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/nature/RattlerBlue4.JPG)
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/nature/RattlerHead1.JPG)
Ok call me stupid, but what area is this in?
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Near the Methodist Church Camp on Elm & Linnet.
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Near the Methodist Church Camp on Elm & Linnet.
In that case, shouldn't we call it a serpent instead of snake ;D ;D ;D
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I showed this pic to my boys. They couldn't believe what they saw. I told them to be really alert and watch where they step when they are up in the wash.
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I've got two western diamondbacks in plastic containers here at home.
I'd like to release them, but I haven't a clue how to do so. Any thoughts?
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Nevermind. My husband took them a couple hundred yards behind our property and released them without incident. ;D
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I would have gone about a mile away!
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Wildman lives on the wild side............ ::)
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Saw this yesterday on the dirt road 3N3? It's the road off LPC before Clydes ranch heading down LPC.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b390/Digitalsbydanna/snake.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b390/Digitalsbydanna/snakeface.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b390/Digitalsbydanna/snakerattle.jpg)
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Dang Wildman!! That would have freaked me out to find that snake in my house! Oh my goodness, you would have heard me scream all the way to your house from here!
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It was not very cool with my wife. I was just thankful that he showed himself before one of us accidently stepped on him. Haven't seen the big boys yet but am sure we will.
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what is the technique for removing (picking up) a rattlesnake without using tools designed for that purpose? you know, using caveman tools around the house.
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I would use my cave-man fingers to dial the phone...... 8)
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what is the technique for removing (picking up) a rattlesnake without using tools designed for that purpose? you know, using caveman tools around the house.
A broom and a trash can
Guide the snake into a trash can, that's on its side, with the broom. Sweep with quick purposeful strokes, try to move it quickly with the least irritation. Then lift the can on its side when the snake is completely in. This has worked for me on more than one occassion. Don't let your neighbors know about your new skill; tag you'll be the snake guy.
Disclaimer:
Only to be done if there is no way to get a professional and the snake must be removed immediately.
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I've used a rake. If you scoop them up between the tines at about the middle of their bodies (Do not measure.), they can't go anywhere.
Then you can put them in something like a (large) trash can.
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I found this excellent explanation of a good technique on the internet:
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/herpetology/FL-GUIDE/capture02.htm (http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/herpetology/FL-GUIDE/capture02.htm)
Click the steps at the bottom for more tips.
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Good link Surfer_Dude.
I especially liked 'Removing Snakes from Dwellings' using rodent glue boards.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW037
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i don't know. if i saw what wildman experienced when i opened the front door, i would just wet myself.
then i'd shut the door and sell the house.
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Good link Surfer_Dude.
I especially liked 'Removing Snakes from Dwellings' using rodent glue boards.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW037
Then you're going to need gloves and oil again and I don't know if I want to go down that road. ;)
I was golfing and I tried to remove a snake from a green with a sand trap rake. The darn thing came up the pole towards me. I threw that rake at least 25yds out of bounds with the snake attached. Because of this, I would go with the broom if possible.
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Having owned many snakes in the past, when they would get loose I would throw a towel over them and grab under their head, or I would hold their head down with some object (broom handle, whatever was handy and depending on size of the snake), then pick them up below their head so they couldn't reach me to bite me. I did this with snakes found in the wild, too - but never a rattler. I'd throw a box over it and keep it contained, then call my rattlesnake-expert friends to come get it. I would never kill a snake.
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I don't think I will go hiking down there anytime soon!
It doesn't make any difference if you're in Lone Pine Canyon, in your yard or in Wildman's living room. Snakes are part of living in this community.
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Well then if you here me screaming from your house, you will know why!
:) ;D :D
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I know they can be anywhere up here, Wrightwood. I was just joking around. ;)
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We had our first rattler today taking a nap beneath the CR & R Trashcan. It was a nice healthy looking one 3 1/2' long with 6 rattles.
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Do you live up here Chuck?
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Do you live up here Chuck?
Of course, I'm no flatlander! We get all the critters that come up from the east canyon side. This year we have seen more rabbits in the last month than we saw in the previous 13 years.
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We had our first rattler today taking a nap beneath the CR & R Trashcan. It was a nice healthy looking one 3 1/2' long with 6 rattles.
It was only 3 foot. The next time he mentions it, it will be 5 feet with spitting venom. ;D
The thing I can't remember is, did we put it in the trash or the recycling bin? Uh oh...
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This is interesting from Laughinguy:
The facts;
Size:
Adults 24 - 51 inches long (61 - 129 cm) Most seen are 18 - 40 inches. Newborns are about 10.5 inches.
Appearance:
A heavy-bodied, dangeously venomous pit viper, with a thin neck and a large triangular head. Pupils are elliptical. Scales are keeled. A light stripe runs from behind the eye diagonally to the upper lip behind the corner of the mouth. Usually there are 2 or 3 large scales on the top of the head between the supraoculars.
Ground color varies from greenish gray, yellow, tan, olive green, to brown. Irregular, dark, well-defined, diamond or near diamond-shaped dorsal markings.
Black and white rings surround a thick tail. The black rings are narrower than the light rings, and often offset. A rattle on the end of the tail, consisting of loose interlocking segments. A new rattle segment is added each time the skin is shed.
Similar to and easily confused with the Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, though there is little range overlap in California.
Heat sensing pits on the sides of the head help the snake to locate prey by their warmth. Long, hollow, movable fangs connected to venom glands inject a very toxic venom which quickly immobilize prey. The snake can control the amount of venom injected and the fangs are replaced if broken. Bites on humans are potentially dangerous without immediate medical treatment. Even a dead snake can bite and inject venom if the jaws reflexively open when they are touched.
Behavior:
Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular during periods of excessive daytime heat, but also active during daylight when the temperature is more moderate. Not active during cooler periods in Winter.
Prey is found while the snake is actively moving, or by ambush, where the snake waits near lizard or rodent trails, striking at and releasing passing prey. The snake then follows the trail of the envenomated animal and swallows it whole.
When alarmed, a rattlesnake shakes its tail back and forth. The movement rubs the rattle segments together producing a buzzing sound which serves as a warning. Juveniles are born with only a silent button at the end of the tail.
Diet:
Eats small mammals, including ground squirrels, mice, rats, rabbits and hares, and occasionally lizards, snakes, and toads.
Reproduction:
Live-bearing; young are born July - September. Male to male combat occurs.
Range:
Found in southeastern California from the Colorado river roughly near the San Bernardino County line, west through the Mojave desert, north, east of the Sierras into Inyo County. Absent from the southeastern Colorado deserts, but there are unconfirmed reports of sightings west of the Colorado River in Imperial County. Ranges north into Nevada, east into west Texas, and far south into Mexico.
Habitat:
Inhabits grassland, desert scrub, rocky slopes, creosote bush flats, open juniper woodland, and light chaparral.
www.californiaherps.com/ snakes/pages/c.s.scutulatus.html
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"Male to male combat occurs."
That would be interesting to see.
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What about the old standby female wrestling?
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Rattlesnakes don't like mud. ;)
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BBob says that oil is alot better anyway. I don't know what he is talking about. Do females wrestle in oil?
Boy it just hit me, speaking of snakes and BBob are one of the same.
I just heard from Dolly and she told me she won't be able to make her appointment with you. She does not care for mean people.
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I'm going to have Kathysc call Dolly because its her that made the snake and oil comment, posting under my name. I would have never made that reference, Dolly!
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Huh?
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Once again I would like to inform you that if you need a rattle snake removed you can e-mail me and my husband will come get it and relocate!! HE has been in the reptile bussiness for 30 some years and knows what he is doing. WE understanding people are scared and we certaintly do not want aby one harmed, but we don't want the snake harmed either.
Thanks,
Pam
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And if you cannot get hold of Pam, contact me and I'll call Pam. They are the snake experts and will relocate the snake to a safe place without hurting it.
Once again I would like to inform you that if you need a rattle snake removed you can e-mail me and my husband will come get it and relocate!! HE has been in the reptile bussiness for 30 some years and knows what he is doing. WE understanding people are scared and we certaintly do not want aby one harmed, but we don't want the snake harmed either.
Thanks,
Pam
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Hi everyone,
I just wanted to inform you that there is a new rattlesnake vaccine for dogs. I just took my dog in for his check up and was informed about this from our vet. As we do own the reptile shops and do movies etc we do have a VERY INFORMED VET, although he is out in orange county but I trust him with all our pets, snakes and my love, my dog Arley, Who I don't think barks and bothers anyone lol...he will bark if he is outside and someone is jogging or walking by or trying to get in the gate but that is his job!..Anyway, if your interested ask your vet about the new vaccine...Red Rock Rattlesbake Vaccine
Thanks,
Pam
Repisland@msn.com
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This has been discussed in "Snakes are Active in Town..." http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php/topic,393.msg2719.html#msg2719
TableMtn whos black lab was bitten by a rattler was kind enough to come up with a website for the company who has the product:
http://www.redrockbiologics.com/ (http://www.redrockbiologics.com/)
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I would put this under the hike thread but it's about snakes so here it goes - be careful if you're in the Sheep Creek wash. My neighbor and her friend were walking their dog last week and came up on a big rattler. Of course they backed up and walked away. And was informed that some people were hiking up by Guffrey yesterday and their dog was bit by one and is in the hospital. Please be careful and watch where you are walking. I have told my boys to stay out of the wash for now. ;)
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OK, what part of the wash? above or below lone pine? my back yard buts up to the wash and I am petrafied of my kids appening upon a snake in the yard. Then to top off all of my irrational fears, my 7 year old came home from the next door neighbors house and told me a day or two ago, that snakes are getting into peoples houses at night. Call me chicken but I am pretty scared and by the way if I see one in my yard or my house somebody (probably not me) will be killing it!
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I was just in Country Animal Hospital for my dogs today and they said they just had their first rattlesnake from Wrightwood. I was on here looking to see where it happened. Thank you Cinchy you answered my question.
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Call me chicken but I am pretty scared (of snakes) and by the way if I see one in my yard or my house somebody (probably not me) will be killing it!
Call me chicken, but I'm terrified of cats - especially the little babies (kittens, are they called?) If one comes in my yard, somebody, probably not me, will be killing it.
Okay, I'm not going to be killing kittens - and I love cats and have 5 of them. But since we live in the mountains, maybe it would be smart to learn what snakes are in the area and not plan on killing a harmless snake that will not bother anybody and actually will rid you of the deer mice in your yard which pose a bigger threat to you and your family. Although I personally do not believe in killing rattle snakes, I can understand the desire to be rid of them (and even - gulp - kill them) - but not any harmless snake that will not harm you or your family. I wish I had all the snakes I used to have as pets (we had about 20 -30 at one time) so I could show you how harmless they are and are actually very beautiful. If you really are interested, I could get some snakes and show you that you don't need to be afraid of them.
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Well, actually I meant a rattle snake, I do know that there are alot of harmless snakes that are actually good for keeping venomous snakes away. I will admit the harmless ones give me the creeps, but I am not afraid of them. And would not kill one, though I may hope it makes its way out of my presance quickly. As for a rattler, I am sorry to offend anyone, but I have three curious kids and it terifies that they might stumble upon one in the back yard, and so I do believe that if I find one back there, it will need to be dealt with quickly, no time to wait for someone who can relocate it to be found and arrive.
As for the fact that they are all over the valley, I know that but since my house backs up to the wash between hwy 2 and LPC, I was wondering if there could be one just ouside my back door so I could be aware of it.
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Hey...I special ordered a product called "Snake Away" from the hardware store a month ago. I have not had a snake since and my norm for the summer is avg 4-6 rattlesnakes.
I am doing the "happy dance" over here!!!!! lol's
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"Snake Away"? I'd LOVE to know the ingredients! Mongoose pee?
To Quote "FunkyGorilla" OK, I'm done!
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Snake away
"Naphthalene, a volatile product, and SAW's active ingredient vaporizes..."
Same active ingredient as many forms of moth balls.
http://www.pestproducts.com/snakeinfo.htm
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I thought that I read on the Snake Away website that it could not be shipped into California so I'm interested to know how the hardware store got it.
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http://www.pestproducts.com/snakeinfo.htm#Order
Snake-A-Way Cannot be shipped to AK, CA, HI.
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http://www.pestproducts.com/snakeinfo.htm#Order
Snake-A-Way Cannot be shipped to AK, CA, HI.
They must be trying to kill us all. :'(
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use http://doyourownpestcontrol.com (http://doyourownpestcontrol.com) ;)
This is what they say for shipping:
FREE Standard Shipping for online orders in the U.S.A, except Alaska and Hawaii.
* (If ordering from Alaska ,Hawaii, or the Virgin Islands, please choose the UPS Air shipping options)
* Sorry, we do not ship to Canada, Puerto Rico or Mexico.
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http://www.pestproducts.com/snakeinfo.htm#Order
Snake-A-Way Cannot be shipped to AK, CA, HI.
No need to ship to Alaska... as there are no snakes in Ak.
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http://www.cbs2.com/video/?id=40337@kcbs.dayport.com
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http://www.cbs2.com/video/?id=40337@kcbs.dayport.com
This was quite interesting. I'm glad I took my little dog to the Rattlesnake Avoidance Class 2 weeks ago! Looks as if we'd all better keep our eyes and ears open this summer.
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We had a baby rattlesnake on Friday in our driveway...everyone be alert!
Better get my "Snake Stopper" repellent out again!!!
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Stupid question #...(geez, I've lost count) :(
If you circle your house/garage with this product and you've already got snakes in the house/garage, isn't this stuff going to keep them there ???
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I was at the family pet clinic on Thursday and saw a dog that had been bitten by a rattler. It was a sad sight. There is a rattle snake vaccine for dogs. It is a 2 shot set, three weeks apart and it is good for 6 months. It is a bit late in the season but is worth looking into.
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(http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w255/Thiassi/th_snake.jpg)
Click here for giant photo (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w255/Thiassi/snake.jpg)
This 4' guy was on the trail behind the church camp. He was sunning across the trail and went slowly off the trail. I followed him up to take the photo and he was makin a lot of noise. ;D
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Which church camp?
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Wow...that was a big one!
We had one about 1/2 the size in the East Canyon area, in our yard, and have killed about 4 babies, about a foot long around our house/patio, just in the last week...
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I would not kill them myself. I would relocate them someplace. And it was the camp at the top of Elm.
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Please contact me before you kill any more rattlesnakes. I will try to relocate them. I'm on the computer most of the time, but I can be reached at 4714.
Wow...that was a big one!
We had one about 1/2 the size in the East Canyon area, in our yard, and have killed about 4 babies, about a foot long around our house/patio, just in the last week...
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(http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w255/Thiassi/th_snake.jpg)
Click here for giant photo (http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w255/Thiassi/snake.jpg)
This 4' guy was on the trail behind the church camp. He was sunning across the trail and went slowly off the trail. I followed him up to take the photo and he was makin a lot of noise. ;D
If you just wait they get out of the way. Don't kill them. This guy had around 8 rattles that made a lot of noise. He did not start making any noise until I got up close to take the photo. He just wanted to get off the trail. ;)
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The vast majority of bites are from people actively provoking a snake, either by trying to catch it or kill it.
I just heard a bleep on the radio yesterday about a drunk guy in a park somewhere down the hill. The guy decided he was going to pick up a rattle snake. The snake bit him.
Oucccchhhhh! I hate when that happens!
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Thank you ChattyCathy. I have run into many rattlers as a runner, hiker and a mountain biker. I find it a privelege to see one. I would not kill one unless I found it necessary. They are beautiful animals. The Pacific Rattler, which is the most common one up here is fairly docile and will try to get away from you if threatened. Usually you see them on a dirt road and you can stand there and watch them without them threatening you. They rattle is very loud if you startle one. They give you time to stay clear. Thanks for the info as to expert removal.
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I wouldn't kill one unless it was necessary. If I do kill one, I plan to cook it. Waste not, want not.
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Jack!! You the man!! We always relocate any animal whose home we've moved into!
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Is anybody else having rattlesnake problems? Suggestions for effective deterents? A very large, heavy one (4.5') was hanging around our house and removed yesterday. It was in our yard a week earlier, coiled, rattling, and ready to strike our dogs who were lunging at it. We are concerned for visitors, pets, and ourselves! Also, we hike with our dogs and would like to know the best time to AVOID a viper encounter.
Are there any snake experts out there who can provide us info on snake safety? THANKS!
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Geez, I feel lucky -- in my 5+ years here I've never seen or heard one. O.K. by me. Best of luck Xpert, yikes!
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I wouldn't kill one unless it was necessary. If I do kill one, I plan to cook it. Waste not, want not.
Cook it? I've always wanted to cook a rattlesnake but I don't have an oven or frying pan that's long enough ;)
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It's actually been a slow snake season for me. We've only had to relocate three on our property. And I only know of one more relotcated in our area. We usually have a lot more.
Xpert, Your dogs could actually serve as a deterant as our snakes really don't go looking for trouble. You really should have your dogs trained in rattle snake avoidance and get them vaccinated. The vaccine works against the venom of a Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (and others) which is the most common up here. It does not work against the Mojave Rattlesnake but those are rare at higher altitudes.
As for avoiding them on hikes... They are least active at the hottest time of the day. But it is not very fun to be hiking at that time. Being cold blooded, the snakes are victims of their environment and they tend to "sun" in extreme heat and not hunt.
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We only saw one rattlesnake in the forest this Spring, usually we see alot more. Of course few rattlesnakes explains the overpopulation of ground squirrels this Spring. When children are afraid of snakes, I ask them which would you prefer a large number of rodents and ground squirrels that carry nasty diseases (like plague) that people can catch, or a few rattlesnakes that you can avoid if you pay attention.
I agree that education about snakes is your best defense. Unfortunately, I have seen quite a number of Wrightwood rattlesnakes that don't rattle. By removing (or killing) the best noisy rattlers we are left with the quiet ones. Personally I much prefer if they rattle and let me know where they are.
Mostly drunk guys from 16 - 24 who are trying to impress a girls are the ones bitten by rattlesnakes. They are bitten on the hand.
After much time in snake country here and in East Texas my rule is if you need a sweater to stay warm, no snake worries. If it is really hot snakes will be most active in the morning and evening. If it is cold overnight, the snakes will be active when the sun warms them up.
Look at pictures of southern pacific rattlesnakes as babies and adults so you know what to look for if they are not rattling. And the most important thing to know is to never put your hands or feet where you can't see them. They love to curl up under shrubs, next to logs and trees.
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Thanks for the responses! The problem with this particular snake is that active dogs & people were NOT a deterrent and he evidently felt comfortable traveling to the center of our property, completely surrounded by activity. (The first time we saw him he was close to the exterior of our fenced property. A week later he is dead center of the property.) Pretty sure it was the same "guy" due to his size.
Snakes make me squeamish - especially poisonous ones for some reason ::) - but I'm not a hater. The more I learn the more comfortable I'll be so I appreciate all factual input. I was once a hard core Venom ER junkie! Actually wouldn't mind an educational session with a bona fide herpetologist.
I've seen references to a few relocation experts. Any direct numbers to call? Thanks again!
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We only saw one rattlesnake in the forest this Spring, usually we see alot more. Of course few rattlesnakes explains the overpopulation of ground squirrels this Spring. When children are afraid of snakes, I ask them which would you prefer a large number of rodents and ground squirrels that carry nasty diseases (like plague) that people can catch, or a few rattlesnakes that you can avoid if you pay attention.
I agree that education about snakes is your best defense. Unfortunately, I have seen quite a number of Wrightwood rattlesnakes that don't rattle. By removing (or killing) the best noisy rattlers we are left with the quiet ones. Personally I much prefer if they rattle and let me know where they are.
Mostly drunk guys from 16 - 24 who are trying to impress a girls are the ones bitten by rattlesnakes. They are bitten on the hand.
After much time in snake country here and in East Texas my rule is if you need a sweater to stay warm, no snake worries. If it is really hot snakes will be most active in the morning and evening. If it is cold overnight, the snakes will be active when the sun warms them up.
Look at pictures of southern pacific rattlesnakes as babies and adults so you know what to look for if they are not rattling. And the most important thing to know is to never put your hands or feet where you can't see them. They love to curl up under shrubs, next to logs and trees.
Good advice. Especially about NOT putting your hands or feet where you can not see them. I know a guy who was out golfing in Banning. He reached into some brush to grab for his ball. He was bitten on the hand by a rattle snake. He did not see or catch the snake which made it a bit more difficult for the folks a Loma Linda. Luckily he survived.
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Check out this guy's website.
http://www.ramirezrattlesnakeremoval.com/
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Last night around 6pm we saw a baby rattlesnake at Pine and Apple. It was curled up in a crevice in the asphalt. When we came by a couple hours later, it looked like it had crawled onto the roadway and was run over by a vehicle. :'(
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Check out this guy's website.
http://www.ramirezrattlesnakeremoval.com/
I think I dated at least one of them.
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The website says that Ramirez Rattlesnake Removal is in Northern California. Any local removal companies out there? Please provide ph. numbers. Thanks!
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We just cleared a 12" long rattler from our back walk, about four feet away from the house. Had two or three little rattles. Very concerned about our cat who is a hunter.
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If there are any local companies/people who specialize in snake removal, please pass the contact info along. This will be greatly appreciated!
We've seen two snakes on our property in 3 years. One baby lurking next to the stairs descending from the kitchen porch and "Gigantor" of recent fame, but that's two too many for me! I lived in the desert for 8 years where Mojaves were supposedly abundant, especially around the stables, and never saw one which made them my favorite poisonous snakes. I ran into rattlers once or twice while horseback riding in the hills of OC back in the day when no one lived there. The horse would spook and that would be the alarm to go in another direction - sometimes the horse taking me against my will which ultimately was probably a good thing:o
Once I get rid of the creeps from this latest encounter, my snake avoidance obsession will go away. Last year my short lived but intense topic of research was mountain lions... There's always something! And this from a woman who has lived alone in some remote, wild places! ;D
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Try contacting either of these forum members from Reptile Bob's post last Sept. I couldn't figure out how to quote him from 2 pages back, so I copied and pasted this:
Akapurple and ChattyCathy can both contact a local venomous snake expert who can remove the snake safely and humanly relocate it.
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I humanely relocated ours. I caught him/her with a snare and carried him/her over across the wash to Chatty Cathy's side. ;)
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I can be reached at 4714 - I know a snake wrangler in town.
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I don't know if this is coincidental or not..but I have been using "Snake Away" for my second year in a row around my property and haven't had a snake. Prior years.... I would get 3 to 5 per summer.
You can purchase it Mountain Hardward!
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Chatty Cathy - no direct line for the wrangler???? I appreciate you giving out your number but seems like time might be awastin' going through a "middleman" get to the humane snake removal and we might have to resort to our own methods should we encounter this situation in the future...
Anybody with a direct number to local experienced snake removal? Thanks again for all of the input
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A Gopher Snakes Day:
1: Wake up
2: Get some sun
3: Catch me a bad snake(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e139/Laughlinguy/IMG_0293.jpg)
This beauty is around 4 ft.
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Yesterday at noon saw what looked to be a 4ft Rattler run over in the road at Hwy 2 JWO Wright Mtn Rd. Someone in an old Camry was stopping to look at it...hope he didn't get bit.
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My friend is local and an experienced wrangler. He does not charge for his service, he just wants to save snakes rather than have them killed. He's not looking for business, he's doing a favor. If you try to handle it yourself, there's a good chance you'll get bit. This is just one of your options. That's the best I can do.
Chatty Cathy - no direct line for the wrangler???? I appreciate you giving out your number but seems like time might be awastin' going through a "middleman" get to the humane snake removal and we might have to resort to our own methods should we encounter this situation in the future...
Anybody with a direct number to local experienced snake removal? Thanks again for all of the input
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We found an alternative. Don't want to play telephone tag in an urgent situation but do appreciate the need for your contact's privacy since he is not in business. In any event, we will resort to our own common sense methods in order NOT to get bit by a defensive snake.
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Well, I'm pretty shaken up. In 5 years here I have never even seen a rattlesnake much less heard one. But today I saw and heard TWO in separate places on the same walk.
I took my dog to Grassy Hollow to walk on the PCT. We parked on the 2 and walked in, and just as we reached the gate I noticed that he was looking at something in the road. I looked -- and there was a rattlesnake maybe a foot in front of my dog. Timber I guess from its dark stripes, but I'm not sure. I yanked my dog back just as the snake rattled, and we watched from a safe distance as the snake slithered off the road into the brush.
I was scared for my dog but thought that would be it, and we went on our hike. We hiked to Inspiration Point and then headed back on the PCT. Halfway back I am watching the trail, when suddenly I hear ANOTHER rattle! I looked and there was a rattler coiled just off the trail in the brush. Sunny is staring at this one too. I yanked the dog forward and we got out of there.
I swear, I felt like I fell right into the middle of a horror movie. In fact, I said that out loud to the dog. I didn't relax until we got back to the car.
Sheesh.
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Do you carry a walking stick when you go? Nothing beats being alert as the two of you were today, but if it strikes before you can back up and you're quick, it would be a means of blocking a strike. Just a thought.
The telescoping metal ones that come with an extra set of cups with teeth are nice because you can also use them in winter, especially if you're street is on a slope! ;D
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I "found" one at Vincent Gulch last night. We went up for a bike ride but first my dog and I walked around the gate. On the way back through the gate I saw it and it saw us too. It was about 12 to 18 inches from the path under a bush.
I was lucky. I had on no shoes or socks yet, so it had a lot of opportunity to strike in an unprotected place.
It hadn't rattled. I think it had been resting because it FINALLY stuck it's tongue out to take a sniff. But I was a safe distance away by then.
Reminder to self: wear socks and shoes at least, AND take the dog that sniffs them out, not the one who has no clue. LOL
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USE EXTREME CAUTION...While my husband and 10 month old yellow lab were returning to the car...approx 1/4 mile from the Inspiration lot...A very large 5-6ft aggressive timber rattler jumped out of the bushes and struck our lab in the face. Totally unprovoked attack .
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Two rattlers were spotted in the past week near Oak & Blackbird.
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Oh, man. In hindsight we were lucky because both snakes rattled in warning instead of striking. I didn't want to wait around to see how long they'd stick with just the warning! Honestly it was freaky, especially the second one. I'm pretty good about watching the path but I didn't think about rattlesnakes hidden in the brush beside a narrow path. Geez.
Capn Mom, is your puppy O.K? When did this happen? If it's around this same time I'm not going back to the trails around Inspiration Point until it gets cooler. Paved Blue Ridge road, O.K. PCT no.
And lagomorphmom, good idea on the walking stick for a lot of different reasons. Snakes would be one of them!
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Chrislynnet..thanks for asking! We are in the ICU phase(fortunately at home) after having 2 vials of antivenom...won't know the extent of injury caused by the timber rattler for probably 5-6 days.
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USE EXTREME CAUTION...While my husband and 10 month old yellow lab were returning to the car...approx 1/4 mile from the Inspiration lot...A very large 5-6ft aggressive timber rattler jumped out of the bushes and struck our lab in the face. Totally unprovoked attack .
Were they walking down Blue Ridge Road toward the parking lot, or were they on the PCT, and if so, which side of the hwy.?
I sure hope your dog will be OK - poor baby! :'(
I haven't seen any yet this year. Last one I saw was 2 years ago, on the road from Grassy Hollow to Jackson Flat. It seems as if there are way more than normal out and about this year.
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Rattlesnake Avoidance Clinic for Dogs topic:
http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php/topic,5133.0/all.html
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I had to go to the vet today today and I saw information on rattlesnake vaccine. Anyone know anything about it?I didn't know there was such a thing.
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Cap'n mom, I'm so sorry! I will pray that your pup completely recovers. What an awful thing, and how scary!
Wrightwood, thanks for the link. I remembered the posts on the rattlesnake avoidance clinic after the 2nd guy rattled and scared me. If my dog had known to avoid the snakes he wouldn't have been in striking distance, or at least wouldn't be staring at them.
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I had to go to the vet today today and I saw information on rattlesnake vaccine. Anyone know anything about it?I didn't know there was such a thing.
Kimy, I saw something about it in the rattlesnake avoidance thread that Wrightwood mentioned. It's here: http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php/topic,5133.0/all.html (http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php/topic,5133.0/all.html)
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I took my dog to the clinic last year, after having seen that snake the previous year. Of course, we didn't see any snakes after she went to the class. It would be interesting to see if she still remembers what she learned, although I'll be just as happy if I never find out. ;)
Of course, all the training in the world won't help in a situation like what happened to capn mom's dog, where the unseen snake struck without any warning or provocation. Unless, because in part of the training the dog learns by scent, the dog could smell it far enough ahead to be on the alert.
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This happened about noon, on the north side of 2 approx 1/4 mile up from the parking lot..My husband and lab have been hiking up there 3-4 a week this summer without any problems..Miss Molly had her 1st dose of anti-venom within 1 hr of her bite..by 445 she was starting her second dose.
Right now she's just finished a large can of soft dog food, eaten 6 small carrots and eaten ice cubes from her drinking water..A GREAT SIGN!
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What wonderful news! :2thumbsup:
I'm curious, because I like to walk/hike up there too. How could you be taking care of her at home? Are either of you a veterinarian? Or, do you just know a whole lot more about animals than I do. Does the size of the dog matter in a circumstance like this? My dog only weighs 10 lbs., and she's 5 years old.
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Thanks...Neither are vets, just in the medical field. Started at Family Pet in Phelan with Drs. Birch and Rosendal...GREAT STAFF!! We opted to bring her home and provide the 24 hr nursing care, everone likes their own bed better. She's still got some facial swelling, she was up and down from discomfort thru the night. We just came in from outside and shes had a couple of treats and ice cubes. My shift is over at home and time to work. Check into the rattler vaccines, not sure which types it works for. I know we'll do it when done with this craziness, alot cheaper insurance.
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I'm so happy Miss Molly is eating well, that is indeed a good sign.
As long as it's warm I'm honestly going to stick with trails and roads that are wide enough so you a) can clearly spot snakes in the road and b) don't have to walk close by brush. Our first encounter with the snake in the road wouldn't have happened if I had been paying attention, but there was just no way to spot the 2nd snake that was in the brush.
ForestGal, I'd definitely check out the rattlesnake vaccine for your little one. I'm going to ask my vet about it for Sunny.
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Two rattlers were spotted in the past week near Oak & Blackbird.
Last week the Methodist Church Camp had a rattler in the middle of the camp and this morning another rattler was found near Oak & Blackbird.
Be extra alert!
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We had one in our driveway a few days ago.
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Oh, super. *shiver*
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Something is bringing them out. We caught two today near Jackson Lake. It had been a slow season until recently.
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Last week the Methodist Church Camp had a rattler in the middle of the camp and this morning another rattler was found near Oak & Blackbird.
Be extra alert!
About 3-4 weeks ago, I found a rattlesnake in the creek across the road from my house on Blackbird. It was laying in the grass right off the walking trail up the wash. This is on the north side of the water company property, several hundred yards away from the Oak and Blackbird intersection. I have never seen a snake there, despite the occasional water in the creek. I did not see it until the sound of its rattle, but I was on the lookout because I had some sort of premonition (a voice in my head said "this is a really great hiding spot for a snake") and several seconds later I heard it. I threw a few pebbles to make it move and otherwise left it alone.
My dad (Chuck) brought over his weed whacker and trimmed the grass as a favor. Unfortunately, I get a gnawing anxiety now when I walk there or up on the wash, especially at night.
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That's what is scaring me, the snakes in the brush. The 1st snake that rattled at us at Grassy Hollow was on the road and I would have seen him if I'd been paying attention. But the 2nd snake was coiled just off the trail and I didn't see him until he rattled, even though I was scanning the trail. And the Lab that got bitten was struck by a snake that was also in the brush at the side of the trail.
I've stayed off all narrow trails since then and will just take streets and wide trails until the weather turns cooler. And I'm paying attention.
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Wildlife event of the day
Snake in our apple tree...........
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/nature/CAStripedRacer1.JPG)
California Striped Racer
http://www.californiaherps.com/snakes/pages/m.l.lateralis.html
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Wildlife event of the day
Snake in our apple tree...........
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/nature/CAStripedRacer1.JPG)
California Striped Racer
http://www.californiaherps.com/snakes/pages/m.l.lateralis.html
Are there 2 snakes in that picture? The racer and another (Black over Red) about an inch or so down the limb to the right of the racers head?
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All the same snake.
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Great photo! I have never seen a striped racer before. Thanks for sharing :2thumbsup:
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1st one that I can remember in Wrightwood.
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I wonder if Greg Mills from Ch9 would have stood under an apple tree that might have a snake in it? ;) (same apple tree)
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/news/GregMills1.JPG)
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He (she?) is pretty. I don't have a fear of snakes per se, just rattlers that want to bite my dog's face off.
And that's a great photo as always, Wrightwood.
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I saw in my yard?.....Black with long yellow stripe....skinny and FAST!
What do they eat?
Thanks for any info...sorry I couldn't get a picture of it!
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Is it any of these?
http://www.californiaherps.com/identification/snakesid/snakes.id.html#striped
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I saw in my yard?.....Black with long yellow stripe....skinny and FAST!
What do they eat?
Thanks for any info...sorry I couldn't get a picture of it!
My favorite snake: Masticophis lateralis lateralis - California Striped Racer
Nonvenomous. Considered harmless to humans.
Appearance
A fast-moving snake with a long thin body and tail, a broad elongated head, large eyes, a slender neck, and smooth scales. Dark brown to black with a pale yellow or cream solid stripe on each side which extends from the back of the eye to or beyond the vent. The stripes are relatively narrow - "2 half-scale rows wide." The underside is cream or pale yellow tapering to pink toward the tail.
Behavior
Dirunal, often seen actively foraging in the daytime with head and forward part of the body held up off the ground searching for prey with its acute vision. Climbs vegetation and seeks shelter in burrows, rocks, or woody debris. Very fast-moving and alert, quickly fleeing when threatened, this snake is difficult to get close to. Like most Masticophis this snake will strike repeatedly and bite viciously when threatened or handled.
Diet
Eats lizards, small rodents, small birds, frogs, salamanders, small snakes. Juveniles will consume large insects.
http://www.californiaherps.com/snakes/pages/m.l.lateralis.html
was writing this when the above message with link came in, decided to post anyway!
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Yes, it was a Racer or Whipsnake
Thank you for the info....I have had 3 this week -different sizes and was getting scared! lol's.
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While driving across Blue Ridge on Patrol this last Saturday near the Frost Peak access road, I came across a 4 foot Rattler that was stretched across the road. Worrying for it's safety, I jumped out of the rig and got a broom. I "encouraged" the rascal to move on off the road into the forest.
He was not a happy camper and I could hear him giving me "what for" even after 5 minutes of waiting for him to calm down.
What I like about Rattlers at that elevation is that they are very dark, almost black. It was a beautiful specimen. It was much darker than the Rattler I encountered at 3 levels this year. The Rattler at 3 levels was more of a grey color.
Unfortunately, I couldn't get a picture as I had used up my camera batteries taking pictures of 2 large Class III Bighorns at the top of Slover Canyon.
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I didn't see any snakes in August, but I saw one today. He got chased with a hose, but he's probably lurking about still, unless he found something to eat already.
Only a couple more months of this until we get a break... ;)
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Aargh! I can admire them from afar -- VERY afar -- but I'm sure spooked about them coming up close. Especially if one appears around your own house and is still hanging around! Yikes! :o
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Another rattler sighting on a local trail today. This one was lying across the trail that leads from the Pacific Crest development up to Helicopter Hill, just before you get to the National Forest sign. I had my dog with me as usual, and was careful because of the two rattling rattlers we encountered on PCT a month ago. I saw him in plenty of time and cautiously approached. Just enough so he'd know we were there and hopefully move into the bushes. Move FAR away into the bushes, I might add.
He did, meandered across the trail without getting upset. I waited a minute because that 2nd snake we encountered last time rattled from the bushes and scared me to death. That is the last we saw of this one, but it still makes me nervous. This was one of the dark striped ones I saw up on PCT.
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here in phelan we haven't had to much of problem with snakes but we have had a problem with a single coyote.. jumpin fences and took a neighbors goose and came in our yard and got my poodle early in morn ... and our dobie stopped it it dropped and ran... haven't seen it since.... watchin even closer.... poodle ok now her tooth punctures have healed and she is never out alone anymore......... watch your small dogs even if fenced we have been here for 20 years and never had them come in the fence they walked around the outside of it..... so big warning now
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Someone told me that the Pacific Rattler is not in the higher elevations, but I can say I saw one at the highest point on Blue Ridge Rd., above Guffy's Campground. It was last summer. I believe that would be over 8000 ft. Does anyone have any info on what elevations a rattler can be found?
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I witnessed Miss Molly bitten by a Pacific Rattler (a beautiful snake) at Inspiration Point. Snakes (dangerous or otherwise) exist @ all levels. Be aware, just live , and all will be fine.( P.S. Molly got canine cough because I wanted to save a friendly dog from the Nazi Canine Dog Police)
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Someone told me that the Pacific Rattler is not in the higher elevations, but I can say I saw one at the highest point on Blue Ridge Rd., above Guffy's Campground. It was last summer. I believe that would be over 8000 ft. Does anyone have any info on what elevations a rattler can be found?
It all depends on what someone calls "higher elevations". The Pacific Rattler is said to have a range of from sea level to about 2,500 Meters (8,200 ft.). That would make sense that you wouldn't find Rattlers much higher than 8,200 to 8,500 ft because there isn't a lot of food source above those elevations. I have seen several Rattlers above the 8,000 ft. elevation in the San Gabriel Mountains. I have never seen them at 9,000 - 13,000 ft during my hiking and backpacking adventures in the Sierras.
I saw a nice 4 foot Rattler just this summer stretched across the road on Blue Ridge between Guffy and the Heath Slide. What I do like about Rattlers at this elevation is that they are much darker (almost black)than those at lower elevations which are much more brown and beige in color.
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Wrightwood Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes
http://vimeo.com/1499559
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Thanks.
I feel much safer now.
:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
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Wrightwood Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes
http://vimeo.com/1499559
That was interesting! Kinda gave me the creeps, :o but interesting nonetheless.
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Black Mambas:
Venom : The venom is neurotoxic and cardiotoxic, yielding 100 - 400 mg; 10 -15 mg is fatal in humans.
Diet : Eats fledgling birds and small mammals (rats and dassies).
If you paint them another color, are they less venomous? ???
Remind me never to turn into a fledgling bird.
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What the heck is a dassie? ???
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From Wikipedia:
"The Dassie Rat, Petromus typicus, is an African rodent found among rocky outcroppings. It is the only living member of its genus, Petromus, and family, Petromuridae. The name "dassie" means "hyrax" in Afrikaans[2], and the two animals are found in similar habitats. Petromus means "rock mouse" and dassie rats are one of many rodents that are sometimes called rock rats. The family and genus names are sometimes misspelled as Petromyidae and Petromys."
Who new?
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Thanks, gypsywolf. Never heard of them. :)
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The video mentions "documentation" of super toxic rattlesnake bites in the Wrightwood area resembling Black Mamba bites that have caused death. I've never heard of anyone dying from a rattlesnake bite in the Wrightwood area. Where is this documentation?
I've heard of a death from someone getting bit in the Lytle Creek area several years ago.
Not to worry, as the video brought out, the LAST thing the rattlesnake will do is bite you. He tries to hide, then warns you to stay away. Only as a last resort will he strike. Always carry a stick an keep an eye on what you are walking into, as most bites occur when you step on them.
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Just relocated a rattlesnake from our yard. First one I've seen in our yard in several years. Medium sized southern pacific. Good thing they are not engandered or the warden would be on me. ::)
If anyone has one in their yard I'd be happy to move em out for ya. Just give me a ring 949 887 0859
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Just relocated a rattlesnake from our yard. First one I've seen in our yard in several years. Medium sized southern pacific. Good thing they are not engandered or the warden would be on me. ::)
If anyone has one in their yard I'd be happy to move em out for ya. Just give me a ring 949 887 0859
If I may ask, where do you relocate them to?
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To my noisy neighbor's truck! ;D
I'm kidding. Usually down Mescal creek area or national forest land with at least a mile from a home.
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Nightowl, thank you for your offer! I've never seen one around my house or in my yard. Which is good because if I did I'm too chicken to try to move it myself. And I wouldn't have the heart to kill it, even though I am NOT an admirer. Believe me.
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I'll keep you in mind Nightowl. I've lived up here for almost 12 years and have yet to find a snake in my yard. When I see one, I'll let you know. It will be a high pitched SCREAM.
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LOL! And how true! :laugh:
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Last night my husband was in the garage working on his car when I went out to tell him something and there was something wriggling around stuck in the open garage. Sure enough it was a snake stuck in there. My husband got him out. We think it's a baby king snake. So now I'm trying to figure out a way to move the washer and dryer into the house as I no longer want to go into the garage to do laundry! LOL! I know, I know, king snakes are harmless as I was told a million times last night by my husband. He even had a pet one as a kid. He likes snakes, but I don't!!
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I got to the post office today just in time to see a large gopher snake being caught. He was not very happy about being picked up by his tail and dropped into a storage container.
He must have been about 4' long. Keep your eyes peeled everyone! :)
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Rennboy and I were up on Ash Tues night watering a yard for some friends on vacation and saw a nice size king snake slither by the water fawcet and under the house....when I relayed it to my friends via e-mail they said, "that's great news!" Last time they saw one, the wife made her husband kill it and shortly after came a rattlesnake that the king snake would have taken care of for them.
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What color scheme is our local king snake variety?
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(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forumimg/news/kingsnake1.JPG)
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/nature/babyKing4.JPG)
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/nature/BobKingSnake1.JPG)
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Thanks. I had to Wikipedia because I forgot what they looked like and the California King Snake had a gray/white pattern.
Do we even have Coral Snakes?
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No corals.
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We had about a four year old rattler behind our trashcan at Twin Lakes and Maple 3 nights ago. Keep your eyes and ears open!
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Is it legal to shoot a rattle snake on your own property in WW?
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You can't discharge a firearm in town.
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Hear that people? Better keep a shovel handy. . .
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I saw a really long but skinny snake crossing the road near the country club. I had to swerve to miss it because it was moving so slowly. I thought it might've been a big garter snake. It was a light grayish/green color. Didn't know there were rattle snakes in Wrightwood. Hubby won't be happy.
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Rattlers seem to be most common in properties that are close to the washes and forests, and large vacant areas. But they can be anywhere, I gather, esp if they have a ready food supply--don't do things that attract rodents, and control them in your home/garage/shed.
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jek134, we have many rattlesnakes up here. However, I can go for several years without seeing one. The only time I was scared was on a PCT hike with my dog and we got rattled at 2 times by 2 different snakes. Now THAT was scary, but was also our only encounter in 8 years. And neither of us were bitten, although a puppy was bitten later that day on the same trail. I now avoid very narrow overgrown trails during the hot months, but that's the only change I make. Although I don't stick my hand in the woodpile during hot weather either.
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I know when I get the weed whacker running in may I cant hear any rattles, but i make enough noise they know better to stay around. But i have my eyes wide open all the time.
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I suspect that when my weed wacker is running, all the snakes make a run for the county line. But I keep my eyes open too.
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Hiked up to Guffy last week (Wed) and didn't see any on the trail. Daughters friend saw one around the campground at Guffy tho....
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For the last two years in a row I've seen the most beautiful rattlesnake I've ever seen on the way to Guffy. It is nearly jet black and about 4 and a half feet long.
Each year I spot him on the road at the spot with all the fine dirt and sand. After shooing him off the road, getting him quite upset, you can hear him for a quarter mile. ;D
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I actually live in Pinon Hills now, so that's the town this snake was active in.
This is Mojave Green which I found in my backyard. The dogs were barking at something, and this is what I found. Luckily they didn't get very close to it and I was able to move it and will be relocating it.
(http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/45723/2712694760029221877S500x500Q85.jpg)
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Butterfly,
here's another King Snake on our driveway from last week.
Try not to be fearfully of King Snakes as they are not harmful to humans and are good to have around. They help keep the rodent population down.
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forumimg/nature/kingsnake7.JPG)
thats a cool looking king
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thats a cool looking king
Red meets black nice to jack, red meets yellow kills a fellow.
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What kind of snake up here is red meets yellow? ???
Because my dog and I saw one and I didn't think it was poisonous... uh oh.
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I think you're safe in ww Coral snakes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_snake (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_snake)
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Red meets black nice to jack, red meets yellow kills a fellow.
How funny! I always heard "Red meets yellow, snake is mellow" and "Red meets black, snake attacks".
Guess it's a good thing I keep my distance no matter what color they are!
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I don't think I've ever seen a red/black/yellow King snake around my place.
I do see a lot of California Kings. They're very docile and will (usually) let you pick them up without biting. These snakes ae good to have around your house, they eat rattlesnakes.
(http://www.reptileknowledge.com/images/california-kingsnake.jpg)
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No worries. We don't have coral snakes in California, unless of course someone has released a pet.
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Maybe it was a California king then? I really thought I saw yellow banding but I admit I was pretty startled.
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One time several years ago, I was with a friend walking back down the trail to Dawson Saddle. I was walking in front of her, so she couldn't see what was ahead of me. A very colorful, little king snake slithered across the trail in front of me, and I just lost it. My poor friend thought I had seen a herd of mountain lions or something. She wanted to see the pretty little snake, and we were able to spot it under the bush it had crawled into (I don't know if snakes have ears or not, but I probably scared it too). We laugh about it now, but the further I can keep from ANY snake, the happier I am.
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I found this Mojave Green in my garage yesterday in Pinon Hills. It seems early to me - and was hoping that I wouldn't be having a snake problem this year. This is the 4th I've found in the last year.
Be alert when hiking.
(http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/49099/2285086280029221877S500x500Q85.jpg)
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Very pretty snake.
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I found this Mojave Green in my garage yesterday in Pinon Hills. It seems early to me - and was hoping that I wouldn't be having a snake problem this year. This is the 4th I've found in the last year.
Oh, great. Aren't they more dangerous than rattlers?
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It is a type of rattlesnake. There are many types of rattlesnakes.
http://www.venomousreptiles.org/pages/rattlesnake
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Oh thanks, I didn't realize they were a type of rattlesnake. From the link you sent me, it looks like the Mojave Desert Sidewinder although another Mojave Rattlesnake is listed as well. If I saw one of those things coming after me I'd reach the Oregon border in 10 seconds flat.
BTW I'm not afraid of snakes in general, just poisonous ones. THEM I have a healthy respect for.
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Yes they are a type of rattlesnake. What makes the Mojave dangerous is their venom is a neurotoxin unlike our Western Rattler. The only other venomous snake that produces neurotoxins I know of is the Cobra.
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Cathy.. So where abouts in Pinon Hills are you? I'm just a bit south of the 138 on Green. The two different snakes you posted pics of, and thank you for doing that, look different,, maybe just exposure.. hope you were using a zoom.
My understanding,,, and I would love correction.. is that if the snake has a triangular or diamond shaped head beware. If they have a rather skinny head.. ok. Here we, so far at least, have 'red racers' which are benign and well named. We also have rather long gopher snakes. They are also benign. We may have had a rattler last year,, but I'm not sure about that because the guy who killed it .. smashed the head before I could look at it. Other than that .. no rattler sightings here. It is early for the snakes.. I guess because of the weather .
And, as I was typing this something weird just happened. I have a window right in front of my computer. It was suddenly sprayed with water. Obviously not an errant cloud ,, the window is under an overhang. I, of course, went racing out to see if I had an unexpected leak of somesort. Nothing. Must investigate further. later,cheryl o7o
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Yes they are a type of rattlesnake. What makes the Mojave dangerous is their venom is a neurotoxin unlike our Western Rattler. The only other venomous snake that produces neurotoxins I know of is the Cobra.
I had heard that they were more dangerous but didn't know why. Whoa.
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I checked online for the Mojave Green: General Comments: This is probably the most dangerous snake in North America. It is aggressive, fairly large-bodied, and has a complex venom composed of hemolytic and neurotoxic elements. It is responsible for several deaths each year, including in recent years a prominent snake toxin expert. This snake should be avoided.
I live on the border of Phelan and Pinon Hills off of Duncan, and I'm two miles in off of dirt roads. This is the 4th Mojave Green I've found on my property in a year's time. The first three were 2 feet or less from my house. The third one was on a step on my back porch.
I have a friend who is an expert on venomous snakes, and I asked him why I've had so many - and he said because this is where they live. They are here, if we see them or not. They are probably coming for the water at my house. Two of his snake handler friends have died from their bites.
I am not afraid of snakes - except for these (or others that can kill me). So far they've all looked the same, maybe some a little darker than others.
Here is a link to a short youtube clip I took of it. I've heard the rattle enough times, I have no doubt what it is when I hear it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCs8gGy3PGM&feature=youtu.be
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Yikes, that sounds like a B-movie: "Mojave Green!" Stay safe down there, Cathy.
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FYI, saw my first rattlesnake tonight up by Inspiration Point. A young one, maybe 18", sunning itself on the trailhead by the parking lot. Didn't rattle; if I wasn't looking down I might have stepped on it. Guess it's that time of year.
I figured it was a regular western diamondback, but Wikipedia says they don't range west past Chocolate Mountains, so maybe it was a mojave green? I can't tell the difference.
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I have also seen rattlesnakes on the trail in that area.
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I figured it was a regular western diamondback, but Wikipedia says they don't range west past Chocolate Mountains, so maybe it was a mojave green? I can't tell the difference.
Mojave greens aren't found at those higher elevations. I don't think we're likely to find them in WW either, although the high desert will get them. (Yikes!) I'm no expert but the So. Pacific apparently doesn't rattle as readily as the diamondback -- could that have been your snake?
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In Wrightwood, the rattlesnakes are most likely the Southern Pacific. They are quite dark overall when adults, but still have the patterns - just harder to see. The young ones have a typical rattlesnake patterning that is easier to see.
Most rattlesnakes in Wrightwood are extremely calm and don't rattle a warning. I believe this is because the ones that rattle quickly have been killed or relocated over the last 100 years. Personally, I prefer the ones that rattle a warning of their presence!!!!!
The good news is the most likely people to be bitten, have been drinking and 'messing' with the snake. So if you keep a good eye out for them and don't bother them, you are very unlikely to be bitten :)
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Yeah, it was probably a Southern Pacific -- I didn't know that the young ones are still lightly colored. Had that very distinctive diamond pattern and was very dusty brown other than the black. Very well camouflaged against the pine needles.
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I'll bet it was a So. Pacific then. A few years ago my dog and I got rattled at twice on the Pacific Crest Trail above Grassy Hollow, and a lab puppy was struck in the face that same day in the same area. I felt like I was in a horror movie.
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a friend of mine who lives in Pinion hills,her cat got bit by a rattle snake last night..She took the cat to the animal hospital in AV..they are doing some kind of laser treatment as well as surgery to drain the venom..
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Oh, poor thing. I hope the cat is OK. BTW did she see it happen and she's sure it was a snake? I had a cat who was stung by a scorpion a few years ago in the paw. Had some nervous moments at the emergency vet, but the cat pulled through.
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We met a lady at the vet in Phelan. She lives on the west side of Wrightwood near the church and said that her dog was being treated for a Southern Pacific bite. Close to $3000 for treatment so far.
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Today I ran across one of the smarter snakes I've seen. I saw it on the road it front of me so I changed lanes. As I got closer it lifted it's head up like it saw/felt me coming. I passed it and it looked like a Corn Snake. In my rear view mirror I saw it doubling back the way it came (a center median) and IN A HURRY - very fast. Most snakes I've run across don't act that smart....rattlers, for example, tend to either stop, stop and coil up...or keep slowly crawling across the road.
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Another Mojave Green in my yard today. This is the second this year, the 5th in a year and a half. This was INSIDE the yard, and luckily I heard the rattling before the dogs were close.
A snake expert friend came and got it. I asked how to keep the snakes out of my yard, and it was recommended that I build a 3- to 4-foot block wall around the area I need rattlesnake-free. Right now that area is the yard for my dogs, as I usually have numerous foster dogs and abandoned dogs that I've got to keep safe. It was also recommended that I put all of my dog igloos on pallets, as the snakes can easily hide under the igloos.
I would gladly take any donations of cinder blocks and pallets. It will take me a very long time to save enough money to build this wall, and I have no clue where to get the pallets. In the meantime I'll be checking the yard every day before the dogs are out. Thankfully a friend was able to quickly come over and remove the snake. I've personally had to move 2 of them, and they scare the beejeebers out of me.
I live in Pinon Hills, not Wrightwood.
(http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/50572/2796682580029221877S500x500Q85.jpg)
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Sheesh.. so far so good here in P.H. No rattlers.. gophers and red racers yes. There is an interesting piece in Thursday's MP by Doc Burch
about rattlers and dogs and the anti-venom. Note to self: watcg where you step. best, cheryl o7o
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http://www.rutherfordcounty.org/pets/pdfs/Controlling%20Snake%20Problems%20Around%20Homes.pdf
http://snakefence.net/
http://www.justbelowthesurface.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=83:do-snake-fences-work&catid=43:farm-wildlife&Itemid=61
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Dont know if this is an old wife's tale or not ... but somebody told me that planting hay around an area would keep snakes out.
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The local vets carry rattlesnake vaccines for dogs. My dogs have had theirs and we are taking the Rattlesnake Avoidance class tomorrow. The vaccines will help keep the dogs from getting as sick as they would without it. They will still need immediate care, but they have a greater chance of getting better.
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Dr Burch wrote about this vaccine in last weeks Mountaineer Progress. There is one type that it is not effective for and though he still recommends it in the right areas, he does not for others. I do not recall if it was the Mojave or not. He defines areas of the Tri-Community and snake presence. Worth a read for dog owners wanting to know more.
ChattyCathy, I lived a few years in Oak Springs and loved it, all except the snakes. I had three encounters there. Scary stuff.
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Cathy,
I'm coming up the hill this afternoon and if I can find someone to help load them, have 11 pallets I'll gladly donate! Some are better than others but they'll still get your igloos off the ground.
I think I still have your number from the fencing thing but you might want to drop me a PM if your interested. I also think I remember how to get to your place??
YardBird / Carol
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Why wouldn't the snakes curl up in the pallet?
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Disclosure: I was raised on the desert and I married a "city-slicker".
I'd give just about anything to have a video of us cutting a 4 foot Gopher snake out of half-inch plastic webbing he had used to cover my berry bushes. There was no way the snake could get out of it's predicament by itself, and no way I could leave it there. After the (almost) fight and two hours, he held it while I cut it away, sniveling the entire time. He couldn't believe how strong it was and it must have been trapped for a few days before I found it. After our experience, I'd go with the plastic webbing!
I laughed when I saw that "snake-fence" picture. A one foot wire fence with holes that large? That's "snake-oil" if I ever saw it! And a wall? I've been eye-to-eye with a Gopher snake at least 6 feet off the ground, making his way out of huge Mulberry tree. (probably the same one as above.) I often see them climbing into the Italian Cypress trees too, hunting for bird eggs I'm sure, but they can have all of the Starlings they want as far as I'm concerned!
When we bought our place, (it's 2 1/2 acres) 10 years ago it had mature landscaping so over-grown we couldn't hardly get in the driveway and tumble weeds blown in 10 feet high on the fences. The first thing I did was cut it narrow and at least 2 feet off the ground, and got a burn permit for the T-weeds.
I'm not afraid of the snakes if I can see them. They are really interesting to watch. (I didn't know they actually drank water until I witnessed it. I thought they got moisture from what they ate.) Kings, Gophers, Red-racers, and Glossy's are welcome anytime. Not so much for the Rattlers though. On the road or away from here I leave them alone, but not on the property. In ten years we've only seen 2 and I promptly sent them to reptile heaven.
The Gophers snakes are most plentiful (I had a encounter with one today), but that could change rather quickly if the Road Runner that's adopted our place as his doesn't quit dining on the babies! :'(
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Snakes are people, too. :eyebrows:
They are just little animals with no legs.
And they keep us from being over-run with rodents.
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Thanks for all the info! I'm going to look into that snake fence, though I really don't want to deal with a rattlesnake caught in it. I've also had a baby rattler in my yard (the first Mojave Green I'd ever seen in person and had to remove myself) and I'd guess it could fit through the snake fence. I also wonder if rodents would chew threw it.
I am definitely guilty of attracting snakes. I have a constant flow of water for the dogs from the swamp cooler to a bucket which then overflows into a wading pool. The dogs have constant clean water and can cool off in the wading pool, but the snakes can "smell" the water, and that is what is attracting them. I don't know how to remedy this since my swamp cooler will expel water, and with the numerous dogs, I need the constant water flow. My house is the only house on a 10-acre lot, and the property across and one side is vacant, so there is no water around me - they are attracted here.
I also have a rodent problem due to the chickens I have. Rats are attracted to their food. I've had a heck of a time getting rid of them. I have a "Rat Zapper" and I've gotten rid of a lot of them that way. I let my cats out, and they caught quite a few - but then I lost a cat (hopefully not to a coyote) so I don't let them out anymore.
My yard is full of holes that the dogs have dug, so my yard is very uneven. I'm going to have to fill in the holes and even out the ground. I asked the same thing about the pallets - can't snakes curl up there - and yes, they can, but they can be seen.
I've had snakes all over my property, not just the dog yard.
1. baby rattler in fenced-in yard
2. In a clear area near my garage
3. On the first step of my back porch
4. In the garage
5. Today's snake in the yard at the fence line
They really, really, really, really scare me. I'm working on getting all the other stuff off the ground so they have no hiding places.
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I should have checked this earlier. I sent you a PM with my phone number, but it sounds like I'm too late.
Cathy,
I'm coming up the hill this afternoon and if I can find someone to help load them, have 11 pallets I'll gladly donate! Some are better than others but they'll still get your igloos off the ground.
I think I still have your number from the fencing thing but you might want to drop me a PM if your interested. I also think I remember how to get to your place??
YardBird / Carol
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Chinese geese will kill snakes .. tho they're a bit noisy. They also make good security alarms. Roadrunners will swallow a rattler whole.
I've seen one running with a snake in its bill. Quite a sight.
I read thru the link for the 'snake fence'.. couldn't find a price anywhere. It sounds like it might work as it constricts around the snake
supposedly and traps it. I'm not quite sure how that works. I'd also be a bit concerned about its longevity in our hot, hot summers and
cold, cold winters. Plus we virginia creeper and lilacs along the fenceline in the dogs yard so I'm not sure how we could install it.
Perhaps the very small chicken wire, doubled and tripled so as to make the openings super small would work. But, they might just slither over
it.
ChattyCathy: If you missed out on the pallets,,, you can use 4 x 4's .. but I'm not sure that would keep a snake out. We found a 5-foot
gopher in the sink yesterday in the mobile home/chicken coop. So, it had to have climbed up there somehow. Course, we like gopher
snakes. And, I love watching the red racers. They are aptly named. I don't like rattle snakes. cheryl o7o
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I've also heard guinea hens will kill snakes. Probably peacocks will too. I thought about getting some but I think my dogs would scare them off.
And I though I heard/read that chickens will kill snakes? I guess not if Cheryl found one camping in the chicken coop!
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Frankly,, I would rather deal with snakes than peacocks.. peacocks are rather noisy birds. Pretty but noisy. I don't know about guinea hens.
As for Lilly and Laila (our chickens) ,, they did not kill that 5-foot gopher snake. And, I'm glad... gophers are good snakes. cheryl o7o
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Cathy, I got your PM, it's not too late!
I got caught up with an old friend that needed immediate help so I didn't make it up yesterday, plus, DH was at a car show until late so I didn't have anyone to help me load them. My daughter and I will be on the move, I hope by 4 PM today, and I'll put hubby's race on pause!
I will call you before I leave.
Chinese geese will kill snakes .. tho they're a bit noisy. They also make good security alarms. Roadrunners will swallow a rattler whole.
I've seen one running with a snake in its bill. Quite a sight. I don't like rattle snakes. cheryl o7o
tcaarabians,
I'm not familiar with the Chinese geese but I can certainly vouch for the Roadrunners. I have some really cool pictures of the one here with lizards and one of my baby Gopher snakes in his beak. Some day, (maybe) I'll get smart enough to download and post them but don't hold your breath! lol
This place has been wild-life-central for a couple of weeks and I've managed to get several good photos, thanks in part, to finally cleaning the kitchen windows!
YB
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What are those birds that look like pigeons, but have a little dangly thing at the top of their heads? Like the lure of an angler fish. We always have a ton of them in our yard and they seem to like to run around -- I've been meaning to ask, so I'll use this as a segue...do they eat snakes?
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Quail, aren't they cute? But......only the males have the little
dangly thing appendage you are referring to. ;D They generally make their nests close to the ground and like areas with lots of brush. I have quite a covey and keep water handy for them.
I doubt that they eat snakes but they have great entertainment value.
YB
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Oh I've never seen quail before other than on a plate! ;D Thanks YB!
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Yup... depending on where you are TimG... it sounds like quail to me. And, they don't look like pigeons. Right now,, we have a ton of quail coming in with little tiny babies following after. Usually the female is in the front and the papa with the 'dangly thing' is bringing up the rear. They are so past fun to watch. We do feed the wild birds here.. so therefore.. we seem to have a lot of them. I don't think quail eat snakes.. but I haven't looked it up. And,
I would never, as in never think of eating one of them... even tho,, when I was growing up and I'd ask Mom what was for dinner .. she'd say
"quail on toast and applesauce." Its still a joke with us. Enjoy them.. we do. cheryl o7o
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I would never eat them, we're all vegetarians over here! But I've been to fancy restaurants where people I'm with have ordered them. Also -- they're gray and pigeon-sized, that's pigeonish enough for me!
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Thanks, YardBird, for the pallets! I'm all set!
I was told that rattlesnakes eat chickens (which I have). They cannot penetrate the skin of a pig and the pig will eat rattlesnakes. I'm fostering a pig, but since he's in his pen, not much he can do there.
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I read thru the link for the 'snake fence'.. couldn't find a price anywhere.
http://snakefence.net/products/purchase/
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Their chicks are hatching now-- a favorite snack for snakes.
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Thanks BostonBob... its a bit pricey. Cheryl
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I've been running into a rattler almost every day on the trail for the last couple of weeks. We hike in the Desert Front Rd. area.
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I've been surprised that I haven't run into one yet this year. I'm sure watching out for them.
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Just to clarify, I love snakes! Just not fond of unexpected rattler encounters. Snakes are awesome and a respected member of the food chain. I thought OSV might be some kind of breeding area as often as they were spotted when I lived in that area lol.
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I can't say that I love snakes, but they don't bother me -- except, as you said, when there is a rattler on the trail, yikes!
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It's weird...I have run into more snakes in the last couple of weeks than I have in 25 years of living here. We go out pretty early so they are still a bit sluggish....
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A friend called me and said that one of her snake expert friends said to get a thick (at least .5 inch) "hairy rope" and the rattlesnake won't cross it. Has anyone heard of that? Of course with the wind out here, it will get buried pretty quick.
I think I'll try it until I can afford a block wall. Otherwise I hope to double up on small chicken wire type netting -- can't afford the snake fencing.
It's sure a pain checking for snakes every day. Once I get these pallets set up, it will be a lot easier to check under the igloos.
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has anyone ever heard of a rattlesnake shot for dogs?
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has anyone ever heard of a rattlesnake shot for dogs?
In what context?
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The local vets advertise rattlesnake shots for dogs -- I'm assuming as a preventative measure, but they do not protect against the Mojave Greens. I asked specifically, since those are the ones I've encountered on my property.
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Man Bitten by Rattlesnake Taken to Hospital
Date/Time: March 24, 2014/ 1200 noon
Location: 15000 block of Swarthout Canyon
Incident: Snake Bite Victim/Medical Aid
Summary: At approximately 12 noon today, San Bernardino County Fire Department Communications Center received a 911 call of an adult male bitten by a rattlesnake in the 15000 block of Swarthout Canyon Rd. in the lower Cajon Valley. A medic engine company as well as a medic ambulance from the County Fire Department responded and arrived approximately ten minutes after the call had been placed.
Upon patient contact it was found that the adult male was working around an old pile of firewood in which he was tidying up on the property when he reached for a log in the pile and felt a burning sensation in his arm. At that point he noticed a juvenile rattlesnake, later identified by fire personnel as a Southern Pacific Diamondback Rattlesnake. These types of snakes are very venomous and are also known by the name of Western Diamondbacks here in the Southern California Region. County Fire Paramedics provided immediate advanced life support, stabilizing the victim, and rapidly transported the victim to LLUMC where doctors were there waiting his arrival to aggressively treat the bite. The victim arrived at the doors of LLUMC in less than one hour from the time the 911 call was placed thus decreasing the possible damage to his tissues.
San Bernardino County Fire Department would like to remind the public that as the temperatures increase these cold-blooded creatures will be coming out of hibernation looking for food and warmth. Please take heed when working around piles of wood, rocks, or debris to not reach into areas that cannot be seen. Use of a long stick when reaching into bushes for recyclables or other objects may prevent a venous bite and a trip to the Emergency Room.
Jay Hausman
Captain
San Bernardino County Fire Department
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Rattlesnake aversion training for dogs coming to Phelan. $75.
http://socalrattlesnakeavoidancetraining.com/Schedule.php
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Thank you so much for posting the schedule. I have taken my two dogs the last two years to it and will do it again this year. He recommended three years in a row for reinforcement.
It only takes a few minutes and it is so worth it. I highly recommend it, especially if you take dogs off leash. Last year my husband ran across a rattlesnake right at the end of Zermatt where the dirt road begins. My dog Annie gave it a very wide clearance!! On the other hand, my dog Walter didn't even notice it!
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has anyone been able to contact Natural Solutions? I've sent them 3 emails and tried to call, just to get a message saying "call can't be completed as dialed". on their website it says to email the host, which i have done.I get no response from anyone.
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Our neighbor spotted this 18" southern pacific diamond back near her trash can - next to the house.
Using snake tongs I was able to relocated it to the Heath Creek wash.
Keep your eyes and ears open .
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/nature/DiamondBack8.12.14a.JPG)
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has anyone been able to contact Natural Solutions? I've sent them 3 emails and tried to call, just to get a message saying "call can't be completed as dialed". on their website it says to email the host, which i have done.I get no response from anyone.
We worked directly with the contact person on the schedule; never actually communicated w/Natural Solutions.
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A much smaller rattlesnake (maybe 12 inches max) was squished on Oriole near Walnut about a week ago. Looked like it had been flattened by a car. Looks like the snakes are leaving the forest in search of water and food.
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Lots of snake sightings this year - keep your eyes and ears open!
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There is a snake, flattened presumably by a garbage truck, on Spruce between Lark and Robin. The skin glitters a sparkly silver. It appears to have a diamond pattern. It was hit full on while moving and the remains are mostly compressed v. spread out. I haven't seen one hit up here before. Also, there are Ravens in a nearby tree and they haven't swooped down on the road kill like they normally do, which leads me to wonder if, indeed, it is a poisonous snake and they are too smart to deal w/it even dead. Just giving an update on a snake sighting...even if it is a dead one. sagespirit
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Our neighbor spotted this 24" southern pacific diamond back near her trash can - next to the house.
Using snake tongs I was able to relocated it to the Heath Creek wash.
Keep your eyes and ears open
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/snakes/MD_6.4.17.2ftRattler2.JPG)
(http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/snakes/MD_6.4.17.2ftRattler1.JPG)
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Rattlesnakes are important members of the natural community. They will not attack, but if disturbed or cornered, they will defend themselves. Reasonable watchfulness should be sufficient to avoid snakebite. Give them distance and respect.
"Rattlesnakes are also among the most reasonable forms of dangerous wildlife: their first line of defense is to remain motionless; if you surprise them or cut off their retreat, they offer an audio warning; if you get too close, they head for cover. Venom is intended for prey so they're reluctant to bite, and 25 to 50 percent of all bites are dry - no venom is injected." Leslie Anthony. Snakebit: Confessions of a Herpetologist. Greystone Books, 2008.
Rattlesnake bites can be extremely dangerous, but rattlesnakes should not be considered as vicious and always ready to attack without provocation. They will not strike without a reason, but they will aggressively defend themselves. They are often portrayed with the body partly coiled, the tail rattling loudly, and the head up ready to strike. This display is a warning not to come any closer or they will strike; a defensive behavior that some rattlesnakes use when they sense that crawling away would put them in danger. If they are given some space and some time to escape to a safe place, they will usually crawl away as fast as possible.
Because they cannot crawl to safety as fast as some snakes, rattlesnakes often use their cryptic color and pattern to blend into their surroundings in order to hide from their prey and from other animals that could threaten them. They often hunt by sitting still and waiting for a warm-blooded prey animal to pass close enough for the snake to strike it. Sometimes a passing human will be struck instead, mistaken for food. When they sense the presence of something that might threaten them, rattlesnakes often lie still to avoid detection and do not rattle, because that would give away their location. At other times they rattle loudly, sometimes from a good distance, to warn potential enemies of their presence. In both cases they are doing everything they can to avoid confrontation and to avoid striking and biting and using up their valuable supply of venom which they need to kill and digest their food.
http://californiaherps.com/snakes/pages/c.o.helleri.html
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It's that time of the year
Good Facebook post by Sabrina
Sabrina De Nunzio
2 hrs
Triangle head w/rattle BAD NEWS.
Head same width of body GOOD.
(https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/30571270_1731973390192716_5787810207677546496_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=v1%3AAeF6-5nzMghkB7l_WAQIQ-tBo6YfodTeGQwgVftktMwiBq9FEJ6sdd9jJjoSC6KLgMIOHUHOaAIAiPqqTrupPnafnoTYhXwHvXM3HqnJ2G76iw&oh=8c922a732e5888a9724a4a1a043d97d2&oe=5B70C89D)
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80% of the Rattlesnake bites I treated over the years (around 20) were precipitated by, "Hold my beer and watch this!"....mostly young men with too many beers on board. The other 20% were folks who stepped on the snake on the other side of a log or grabbed them accidentally while reaching above them on a steep trail or two in a camp play area. Of those bites only 3 turned out to be dry bites and one, a ten year old girl, wasn't even sure she was bitten. There was only one tiny puncture on her thumb. By the time we got her to the hospital (Loma Linda U), her hand had swelled considerably and she was hospitalized for over a week.
The local fire stations have professional snake sticks and can be called if you are concerned about a snake on your property.
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Pay close attention.
Found another 3ft rattle snake yesterday and using snake tongs it was relocated in the Heath Creek wash.