I work in Poway, CA (just north of San Diego). Almost caught me a neonate Ruber just now....
The Building Mgr came over to me, wanting HELP. The poor thing had slithered up under a window ledge just 1/2 inch above the ground, and all the smokers were freaked out. I tried to reach him with my hook, and got part of him out before he wedged himself further under the ledge, just out of reach. Even though I only saw about 3 sandy-colored inches of him, I figure he's a Ruber because (a) black-and-white striped tail end, and (b) location - we're not in the desert and out of Cerastes' range, so the only other striped-tail in this part of the world is Ruber (I've seen Cerastes that *appear* to have striped tails at a quick glance). He only had a couple of rattles; hardly enough to make any noise.
I'll go back later to see if I can fish him out and put him back in the bushes where he belongs....... It does my heart good to see snakes still alive (and living long enough to shed!) here in the middle of the Burnt Out Region.
