Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Last night I was at my new house in Pinon Hills. High desert about 3,000 feet. I have seen rattlers up there but always scuts. Last night I could make out the pattern of a rattler on my patio but had no light. I managed to get it into a bucket to release today deeper into the desert. When I saw it in the daylight, I couldn't believe that I had a helleri. I have been wanting to see what they may look like around here for years, but figured that they were not found here. I guess that they are.

It is truly beautiful with a full set of rattles. It was difficult not to add it to my collection. Has anyone else found helleri in the high desert? Apple Valley, Hesperia, etc.

How far east are you? I dont know where Pinon Hills is at but I have found Helleri out to Whitewater Canyon area. The DOR I saw looked exactly like your animal. Was the lighter edging to the dorsal saddles comprised of a pinkish hue?
Nice pic and kudos for letting it continue being a "desert helleri"!
Ciao
B

Pinon Hills is just north of Phelan. About 10 mile west of Hwy 15 and on Hwy 138.

The farthest east that I know for helleri is Joshua Tree Nat'l Monument. I made out a key for them many years ago and helleri was one of the six species of rattlers found there.

....taint no such thang! Latman has been teasing about such lately...but like you...theres no habitat shots showing the "desert" these nastys are purportedly roaming...I've gotta stick w/ these guys down to mebbe 3 more like 4000' on the desert side of the coast ranges until some good habitat shots indicate otherwise. & for those who like elevational challenges...whos gotta Az Black below those same numbers????
Nice snake btw...

Beers RxR

Creosote in the background. Sorry no Joshua Trees in this pic. They were just to my right as I was taking this picture.

....& not too bad...mebbe you can crank out a couple more...by your shot & description...helleri otta stretch out over the high mojave, partic in the mtns... clear over to the New York Mtns along the Nv border...????

If it were found anywhere throughtout that area, it would still be a desert helleri now wouldn't it?

....If they were & they aren't (I dont think), & that was my pt.:
Once they can make a go of it in areas like youve described, why do they not occupy the whole high mojave?

As viridis arent generally desert snakes,(notable exception being abyssus) I just have trouble imagining them in creosote bush habitats. I hope you'll post some decent desert habitat shots where youve seen them...Interesting stuff / Beers RxR