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I currently own a no kill rattlesnake removal business in southern California. The problem That I am having is? My wife might be relocating jobs to monterey california. I really enjoy working with the species of rattler out here. I also need to get as many hours working with venomous herps as possible for a secret future business. In southern california, many of the houses get hit with snakes and call for me to remove them. I guess the question is, is there the same problem in northern costal california. Can I make this a succesful business there. If anyone knows what kind of Crotalus lives there it would be much apreciated if you were to pass on the info.
Thanks: Jason

I belive helleri or oreganus is found in Montery but im not sure which one. The taxonomy of the old C.viridis group has been completly redone and both are now there own sp. Ill check the range maps and write back.

I used to live in Montery (The old Fort Ord to be exact) and you will love it!!! Lots of gophers, garters and alligator lizards!!(the animal that got me hooked on herps. Great little lizards!!!) I never stumbled on to any Crotalus while I lived there but that was probally for the best. I was young and definately didnt know my rattlers at all. Hell, our common practise of finding lizards was sticking our hands down a hole and feelng around!!! One day I cam out with a gopher snake latched on to my fingers and I quickly abandond that method:-D

Ah, to be young and foolish. god im glad those days have past! Now im just foolish

All the best,
Jeremy

After checking the EMBL database I still cant tell ya which one it is They discribe helleri as being found in Southern CAand oregaus as being in Northern CA!!! Id guess oregaus but dont qoate me on it. WW?? Anyother Crotalus experts care to lend a hand??

J

Jeremy
Thanks so much for your help. Helleri is the most common rattler I have worked with here in the surrounding hills of Los Angeles. Your story of putting your hands in the hole looking for lizards and snakes was great. When I was a child, I was scared of snakes until I moved to Montana for the summer. While trudging through the river, my cousin grabbed a water snake which bit him on the hand and made him scream in fear. I've loved snakes ever since. And like you, I have made them a major part of my life as well.
Thanks: Jason