Reptile & Amphibian Forums

While at work last night “my day job” at about 10pm I had a little extra time on my hands so I figured I would head out behind the warehouse and see what I can find. Normally all I find are E. Multicarinata and S. Occidentalis back there. Anyway I made my way through a small room with a normal door to the rear and a big roll up door on the right wall in relation to the small door. I headed out the small door and started flipping wood, equipment and small stock that is stored back there. I made my way around the building and back in the roll up door. I was casually walking back through the warehouse to make my way back to work when I saw a small snake about 20”. I sprung into action, it was a little dark as the room is not used and I wanted this little gopher snake when all of the sudden I noticed its abnormally large head. My eyes moved to the tail where I saw a few buttons. Yes my little Gopher snake turned out to be a young Western Rattle Snake, needless to say I quickly withdrew, gathered myself then with my hook captured it in a bucket to take it home. I release them on the way home as if they are found at work they are killed. While telling an associate about the story shortly thereafter we went back and tracked the snakes movements “Sawdust on the floor” I was surprised and to be honest a little freaked that at several points this snake was well within range of me and just hidden so I could not see it. It is amazing that you can be so close to something so deadly and not even know it. Point being watch what you are doing.

My reptile research and collection

Good point there. After spotting a snake in the road one night, I ran right past it due to a dim light. On my way back to the car thinking I lost it, I heard it rattle as I got too close.

Another time, I nearly stepped on one coiled up. I realized at the last minute and hopped with my other foot which was still on the ground. One foot was literally over it and ready to step on it.

I rolled over a long one time and all of the suden heard the tell tail sound of a snake moving in the dry leaves. I looked up to find a 5' Rattler 2 feet in front of me coiled up, that was another tiem I counted my fingers and toes while out herping

My reptile research and collection

Thats one reason I stick to the roads. However, I've come to believe that I would rather have my run ins with a rattler like that than try to dodge traffic! I would like to field herp one day, but thus far I have had no luck, and don't know where to go to find any snakes. They only seem to come to the road for me.

Don't know how many times I've concentrated on the cottonmouth"in hand" only to be rudely surprised by the diamondback "at foot"!!! I'm pretty wary at flipping sites as one never knows what one will find... but that's part of the wonder of herping, eh?
Todd