Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I don't do a lot of posting on this forum but I'm a long time lurker.

Although my reptiles are my main hobby, my passion is Rock Climbing. One of the cool things about rock climbing is it takes me to places where coincidental herping happens.

Me and some friends were in the Canadian Okanagan doing some climbs in the Skaha Bluffs. One of the routes we were playing on had some brush and natural hides for snakes at the base. I don't avoid a climb if there is a rattlesnake at the base. Most climbers are nature lovers and most likely will simply leave snakes alone if found on or near a route.

The climb we were on had a 2 foot C.v.oreganus "patrolling" the base of the climb. We were having fun but the snake seemed determined to come out where there were people, backpacks, etc. I'm used to snakes hiding if they sense lots of human activity nearby but this snake was breaking that rule.

After about 30 minutes, someone in our group noticed a dead mouse. I checked it out and it looked like it had been dead for maybe an hour. I tossed it to the snake who immediately began eating it. It seems the snake just wanted to get to its' hard-earned meal and we were between him and the mouse. I got to facilitate its' feeding while keeping all snakes and climbers safe.

Anyway, the pics of the snake are on my buddies camera and I'll post them when he gets them to me.

Doug T
Doug Taylor Reptiles

One time out hunting I found a large dead packrat at the base of a cliff I thought it might of been snake bit.A couple of hours later I went back by the same spot.There coiled was a nice four foot atrox fat and happy.NO RAT.I can not wait for the pictures you post too cool.
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Archie Bottoms

Great Post Doug!
Can't wait to see the pics!
Randal

Cool stuff Doug!! Hey, my old cell fried that had your contact info...I need to get things squared up with you. Shoot me an email at: carmichr@cityoflakeforest.com (and I think you have my cell number). Later!

>>I don't do a lot of posting on this forum but I'm a long time lurker.
>>
>>Although my reptiles are my main hobby, my passion is Rock Climbing. One of the cool things about rock climbing is it takes me to places where coincidental herping happens.
>>
>>Me and some friends were in the Canadian Okanagan doing some climbs in the Skaha Bluffs. One of the routes we were playing on had some brush and natural hides for snakes at the base. I don't avoid a climb if there is a rattlesnake at the base. Most climbers are nature lovers and most likely will simply leave snakes alone if found on or near a route.
>>
>>The climb we were on had a 2 foot C.v.oreganus "patrolling" the base of the climb. We were having fun but the snake seemed determined to come out where there were people, backpacks, etc. I'm used to snakes hiding if they sense lots of human activity nearby but this snake was breaking that rule.
>>
>>After about 30 minutes, someone in our group noticed a dead mouse. I checked it out and it looked like it had been dead for maybe an hour. I tossed it to the snake who immediately began eating it. It seems the snake just wanted to get to its' hard-earned meal and we were between him and the mouse. I got to facilitate its' feeding while keeping all snakes and climbers safe.
>>
>>Anyway, the pics of the snake are on my buddies camera and I'll post them when he gets them to me.
>>
>>Doug T
>>Doug Taylor Reptiles
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Pictures are a must, but still a great story.

Jeremy