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I found this guy while hiking a few days ago. I first spotted a striped coil in the underbrush. I was stoked to see what I thought was a patchnose. Upon closed examination of the head, I flipped.

After a fresh shed and some photos, he's ready to meet the world.....

Enjoy!

John Michels

You lucky dog! Take good care of that sucker, I hope you do well with it. Tom Stevens
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TomsSnakes.com

How come I feel like I should play the lotto now??
Anyway, he's taken his first meal and is doing great. My next task is to go find some girls for him from the same area. I'll keep everyone posted.

Yes, please get a female for him immediately. If he takes to her immediately get a few more. I would love to have a snake like that for getting a new project going....no waiting to raise up a baby, he is ready now. Saves a few years, really great find
Tom Stevens
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TomsSnakes.com

That is an awesome snake! Been field herping all spring and haven't even come close to finding an SD Gophers. Whereabouts in Southern California are you. Didn't know San Diego striped morphs existed? Looks like a Pacific. LOL!

reako45

reako45,
I found one today here in San Diego in Oceanside crossing the road that looked exactly like this one- about 3' or so:

http://market.kingsnake.com/detail.php?cat=6&de=403121

I didn't keep him- just helped him cross the road so he didn't get squished.

He was a beauty!

//Todd

Hello

I disagree that it looks like a Pacific Gopher. I work with both species of striped Gophers. Annectans striped or blotched have that cream color and dark back ground striping where Catenifier dont.

Take care

jason

I live in LA county and San Diego Gophers are one of the most commonly seen snakes around here and even in most of coastal Southern California for that matter. Keep looking!!

Hi John

That guys is different looking then the other bloodline of stiped Annectan for sure. He has back ground pattern but know blotching or Striping pattern. Very interesting and beautiful critter.

Take care

Jason

Did you get my last email?

Hello John,
Congrats on such a great find, the snake looks great and it's good to hear it's eating for you already. I hope you have some luck finding a female or two soon. Very nice pictures too, the detail and clarity in them is amazing.

Have a good day,

Gregg F.

>>I found this guy while hiking a few days ago. I first spotted a striped coil in the underbrush. I was stoked to see what I thought was a patchnose. Upon closed examination of the head, I flipped.
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>>After a fresh shed and some photos, he's ready to meet the world.....
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>>Enjoy!
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>>John Michels
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Gregg F.

www.greggsrb.com

Thanks Gregg. I appreciate it.

You found that guy in L.A. County!?! Since spring started I've been field herping in the Santa Susana Mtns (mostly) around the outskirts of Chatsworth, and the Santa Monica Mtns. A couple of years ago I found 2 "normal" pattern SD Gophers in the Sepulveda Basin area (kept 1 male). I know you may be reluctant to give up your trade secret, but I was just wondering whereabouts in L.A. County did you find that guy? I'm guessing San Gabriel Mtns, maybe somewheres in the Angeles Crest Forest.

reako45