PLEASE ID this snake for me, I think it's a rattlesnake...

[RobertW]

Usually when I see them up on Blue Ridge they've always been black.  I just figured they were ALL black up at that elevation, as I've run into many rattlers over the years in the Angeles National Forest and at the higher elevations they have always been black. 

Then, two weekends ago we ran into a nice four footer (6 rattles) crossing the road near Blue Ridge campground and he had the typical brown or brindle coloring and pattern that is more typical of what I see at lower elevations.

[ForestGal]

Last week a friend and I were hiking up the Dawson Saddle trail, and within a few minutes, up that steep part at the beginning of the trail, a baby rattler was laying there, right across the trail.  It was the regular brown patterned color.  Pretty little thing, it was maybe 10-12 inches long, not very big around, but definitely a rattler.  This would have been at about 8000 ft. elevation (Dawson Saddle is 7901, and the trail climbs steeply at first).  Maybe they have to get older before they turn darker?

[Wrightwood]

Looking over some of the posted rattlesnake photos from this area, it appears they all are pretty dark/black in color.

Blueridge 2003


Lone Pine Canyon 2004




Wrightwood 2005




Angelwolf took this photo 2006 on 3N3 offf LPC before Clydes ranch

[free2bee]

The dark ones are Timber Rattlers. We had one living in our garage when we were inundated with woodrats. He was no trouble. He would go in and out without bothering us.

[Cardinal]

Perhaps you were mistaken.  Timber Rattlers are not found this far west.  It's a common misconception.  Here's a link that can help with the distribution of Timber Rattlers.   

http://herpcenter.ipfw.edu/index.htm?http://herpcenter.ipfw.edu/outreach/accounts/reptiles/snakes/Timber_Rattlesnake/index

Click on Species Accounts and scroll down for Timber Rattlesnake.

[free2bee]

Thanks for the info!. Maybe we have a whole new species.
My Audobon book makes no mention of the rattlers any where near here being this dark.

Let's name it!

[noseven]

I have a book that ID's this snake as a Western Pacific Rattler, closely related to the Timber. Maybe I can scan in the relevant pages and post them and see what everyone else thinks.

[Nolena]

Hmmm. Looks like someone I dated once to me....

[Calindy]

I do not trust my ID abilities, what is this snake??
I think it is a gopher snake:

[Calindy]

He looks like he has a triangle head here, that is what confuses me:

[Calindy]

It must be a Gopher snake..

[Janie]

[Nolena]

Totally gopher. And very cute.

[Calindy]

Thanks! I like that sign!!