Hey all, I live about an hour north of LA and have been noticing 2 very different color variations in the S. Pacific rattlesnake (which is the only rattlesnake we have here). One is the typical cream colored base with rich or dark brown blotches along its back, in general a fairly high contrast snake. And then the other type which I have just recently been finding is a very melanistic snake, black with just a faint outline of what its pattern should be showing up as thin greyish lines. Does anyone know what causes this? I am wondering if its a genetic thing, since I have found both types right in the same area. Sorry I don't have any pictures, I dont have a camera at the moment. I'll see if I can borrow someones and post them up though.

Thanks for any input!

Rory

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