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Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes

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13 replies
Posted by Bill Dark on November 3, 2009 at 9:25 AM
Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes
With permission from my herpetologist colleague, Kory Roberts, I am posting a couple of shots of Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes he took in the Ozark National Forest this past weekend. I believe he said he found 5 during the day - mostly around noon. Until we get a couple of good frosts, these guys will continue to forage 15 to 20 feet from their dens. They are easily distinguished from their relatives - Timber Rattlesnakes - by their "coontail" markings above the rattles.
Posted by Bill Dark on November 3, 2009 at 9:26 AM
and another...
Posted by Gale Rainwater on November 3, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Wow I don't want to have an encounter with one of these ruys. Frost can be a good thing. The markings on the tail are really neat.
Posted by Cheyenne Howell on November 3, 2009 at 10:50 AM
After viewing these, I am still having a problem sleeping. Great work tho.
Posted by Bill Dark on November 3, 2009 at 12:57 PM
I changed the title to more accurately describe the content of the post. I should have been more sensitive to folks with ophidiophobic tendancies. Sorry...
Posted by Bryan Simpson on November 3, 2009 at 2:06 PM
I always carry a venom extractor kit in my camera bag when I'm out hiking, but truth is, if I encountered one of these guys, it would be a fresh pair of underwear that I would need.

How close was your friend when he took these shots?
Posted by Bill Dark on November 3, 2009 at 2:26 PM
:biggrin: That's funny, Bryan. Here's another shot to show how close these guys get. I'm going to tag along with them on a spring trip. I find it really amazing that they can go out and actually find 5 in a half day. :eek: I'll be sure to take plenty of Jockeys... :wink:
Posted by Brad Mangas on November 3, 2009 at 2:29 PM
I love seeing informative post like this Bill. Now.......... watch your step!
Posted by Larry Fischer on November 3, 2009 at 3:45 PM
Shucks, these guys don't both me.

I had a 7-footer strike and me once. I caught him behind his head in mid-air, kissed him, and said, "Now be a good boy," then turned him loose. He seemed to be thankful.

Just remember, photographers, "Those who are unaware, are unaware, that they are unaware," especially in snake country.....................

the fisch :toast:
Posted by Matthew Kennedy on November 3, 2009 at 4:11 PM
these don't bother me too much either
Posted by Isaac Szabo on November 3, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Cool, Bill. They had pretty good luck to find 5 in one day.
Posted by Karla Hall on November 4, 2009 at 8:15 AM
I am a watcher for snakes...My mom made sure of that! One of the last things she ever said when we went out to play was, "Watch for snakes!" I guess things haven't changed much since I was a kid. I have been fortunate to not stumble across one of these in Arkansas.
Bravo though to you guys that search these things out on purpose. Neat stuff!
Posted by Aaron Szabo on November 4, 2009 at 11:37 AM
I've never seen a rattlesnake out in the woods. I'd love to get close and personal for some good shots!
Posted by Matthew Kennedy on November 4, 2009 at 6:43 PM
when I was about 10 dad killed a timber rattler with his pocket knife. I had to carry this headless snake about 3/4 of a mile back to camp. A freshly killed snake still moves quite a bit and it would wrap around my arm every few minutes. FYI it did taste a lot like chicken.