Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I hiked in the rain for 6hrs today! It was pretty fun, I was mostly testing some rain gear for a trip to Mt Rainier this summer, but I did flip a few rocks too. The first rock I looked under had a gopher snake all coiled up, then later on I flipped a racer (whipsnake). This one was pretty mellow...it seemed happy to share my warmth.

Tomorrow seems like it should be pretty good here (sunny right after the rain), but I have a volleyball tournament, so if anyone finds anything I'd love to see it.

Good luck,

Jake

Hey Jake,
(see my reply to your Mannhattan post) I used to live in Fort Lewis, Wa. too. I woke up every morning to see Mt. Rainier out my kitchen window. What a view! There's plenty of Rubber Boas there too. Have you ever found Zonata, California Mountain Kings, in Palos Verdes? I've heard rumors of them being there, and did your parents by any chance play in the band at American Martyrs? Well good luck with your trip and thanks for the pics.
-Phil Patton

Yeah...they still sing - I guess my dad took you backpacking with Terry! I didn't recognize the name when I replied above. Why don't you email me so we don't have to catch up in public!

I have seen common kingsnakes there, but no red...YET! I have a student who mountain bikes in the area and he swears to me that he saw a black and red snake up there. Mostly gophers and southern pacifics.

Seriously...let me know if you ever head back this way!

Jake

There have been reports, but as far as I know, by folks who were not herpers. I really do question the validity.

Palos Verdes is very carved up now by development. There is one canyon that has some excellent rock outcroppings (rare in PV) but is so surrounded by poison oak that it is impossible to get to the best areas. I search as close as I can get there every Spring, just hoping to be the person to actually find one. This canyon has very few Cal king sightings but has many lizards.

Good luck! Let us know if you see any, or even better post some photo's!
-Phil