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Anyone know the species of rattlesnake? It was spotted on a hiking trasl on Mt. San Antonio (aka Mt. Baldy) in far eastern Los Angeles County.
I would have gotten better pics, but since a) this was first wild encounter with anythin hot and b) I was lost in the mountains without water at the time, I didnt feel like getting in close for a portrait! =)
I believe that's a southern Pacific..C.v. helleri. Nasty hot venom. Good thing you didn't try for a closer shot.
~~Greg~~
Agreed...
The dorsal blotches (diamonds) completely outlined by light scales is the ID key, as well as the "coon-tail" rings on the tail.
And it definitely is a nasty little bite. Sean Bush treats a lot of bites from this species, as well as C.v.oreganus. Fatalities do occur.
I agree it is a Southern Pacific but I believe the scientific name has been changed from crotalus virodos helleri to crotalus oreganus helleri.
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