The Southern Pacific Rattler in California

The Southern Pacific Rattler is a subspecies of the Western Diamondback. It is found throughout the Southern California Mountains as well as portions of the High Desert such as Hesperia. It has also been sighted by this writer in Oak Glen, a gorgeous Apple Orchard Community near Yucaipa.{ They tend to be very dark, some of them almost blue-black. Other photos show some auburn coloration.}

This photo is of a LARGE adult So. Pacific Rattler we encountered at an altitude of approximately 8,000 feet near Angelus Oaks, California. It appeared to be approximately 4 ft. long and as wide as a buff man's arm. Although this type of snake tends to lunge and be aggressive (I can attest to that!) this snake in the photo had recently eaten and seemed affable enough--allowing us to take its photo with only an occasional hiss and rattle. This photo is courtesy of J. Siess. He took it at a safe distance I can assure you.

These photos are courtesy of J. Siess; they are protected by copyright laws.