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Dick Erb
climber
June Lake, CA
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Topic Author's Original Post - Jul 14, 2011 - 12:39pm PT
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Judy and I took a walk in one of our favorite places below Olmsted Point last week. I was about two steps behind Judy crossing some slabby blocks of granite when I saw what I first thought was a ground squirrel appear right behind Judy's foot as she stepped off of one rock down to another. WOH, I suddenly realized it was a snake as more of it appeared and it started buzzing. A couple of quick steps and Judy was clear but adrenalized. I was pretty excited as well as I whipped out my camera. The snake did some nice posturing and rattling and looking quite threatening. Then after less than a minute it went right back into its hole. I peered over the edge of the higher rock and could see it through a triangular opening about a foot or so down there. I was thinking that when Judy stepped down near the doorway the snake made a strike but came up just short because of its position, and fortunately Judy kept moving as it came up out of the hole. That's the closest I have ever seen any body come to getting snake bit.
The rattler was the largest I have seen since years ago at Lover's Leap. I may have over estimated it at almost four feet and quite thick. It lives on a southerly facing slope at just over 8200' about 3/4 mile SSW of the Olmsted parking area. That is about two thousand feet higher than I have ever seen a rattler, and snakes were not at all on our minds. I blew up the photos to get a good look at the tail and counted thirteen buttons on the rattle in one photo. Guessing two molts a year at that elevation would make the age about six years. I suppose we will have to reevaluate our assumptions about Rattlesnake habitat.
I have read of rattlesnakes occurring that high or higher in the southern Sierra, but no one I know has ever seen them that high. I wonder where the highest encounters have been among Super Topo posters. My friend Eric Beck says there is no better forum for the discussion of high altitude serpents.
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G_Gnome
Trad climber
In the mountains... somewhere...
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Jul 14, 2011 - 12:55pm PT
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I saw the biggest rattler of my life (at least 6 feet long and as big around as my arm) up the north fork of the Kings river out of Courtwright Resevoir. It had to be nearly 9,000 feet of elevation. Fortunately he saw me and started rattling before I got to him on the only trail in the vacinity.
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:03pm PT
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The guy in the photo perhaps just said "Hold my beer, and watch this!"
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tallguy
Trad climber
eastside
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:05pm PT
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Definitely climate change. I'd say that in less that 5 years we'll be battling swarms of thick rattlers on whitney and russell routes.
These are the golden years, enjoy climbing before it gets taken over by the poisonous serpents.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:05pm PT
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Nice shots, Dick. He is a healthy looking N Pacific, Crotalus oreganus oreganus, but I doubt he is 4'. But maybe! :-)
Mineral King is 7800' and they are thick as fleas on a hound there. On the
west and south-facing slopes above they are found to 10K. It is all about
slope aspect and habitat.
According to CaliforniaHerps.com:
"Inhabits rocky hillsides, talus slopes and outcrops, rocky stream courses, rocky areas in grasslands, mixed woodlands, montane forests, pinyon juniper, sagebrush. Sea level to around 11,000 ft."
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PhilG
Trad climber
The Circuit, Tonasket WA
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:07pm PT
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Good question, Dick (and beautiful pictures). I've seen them at the top of North Dome (southern exposure).
This far North (the Okanogan) I haven't seen any above 2000 ft.
Locker: Now that's a snake!
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TwistedCrank
climber
Ideeho-dee-do-dah-day boom-chicka-boom-chicka-boom
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:08pm PT
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I don't hate many things. Rattlers make me feel like I've been chugging my share of Haterade.
They've been doing well in the Idaho hills this year - fatter than I've seen them in a long time.
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Branscomb
Trad climber
Lander, WY
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:09pm PT
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I think they are moving up in elevation all over the Western US, with warming conditions. In the last 10 years I've seen them higher and higher in the Sinks Canyon. Where there used to be a few in the Main Area, they are now almost inescapable in the summer and fall.
As conditions are better for them higher, they are just exploiting new habitat possibliites. I leave them alone but they give me at least one good heart palpitation a year.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:11pm PT
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My highest was probably 7,500 on Shuteye Ridge. Both my dog and I walked right over it, then my brother pointed it out. One of those times where you're too busy looking at rocks when you should be looking at the ground. I was a little shocked my dog didn't pick up on it, though. It wasn't too big, but it was one of the coolest I've seen. A dark Diamond Back that blended in perfect with the bark, needles, and dirt. Never rattled, just calmly laid still and that's how we left him/her.
I've always wondered the same question, so thanks for the thread.
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survival
Big Wall climber
A Token of My Extreme
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:11pm PT
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Good one Dick!!
Who else has rattler pix?
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msiddens
Trad climber
Mountain View
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:12pm PT
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wow, great first altitude sickness, then sunburns and now what, rattlers? Its officially over and we're going to hell in a handbasket.
:-)
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:16pm PT
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Who else has rattler pix?
I'd have to scan the ones I took from 10 inches. I mounted the camera to
a stick and put a cable release on it. Then I set the lens to its minimum
focus and shoved it right up in his face. He never struck cause he knew it
was fruitless.
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Nibs
Trad climber
Humboldt, CA
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:17pm PT
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11,000ft?? yikes!
would not have expected a rattler at Olmsted - thanks for the heads up.
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neversummer
Trad climber
30 mins. from suicide USA
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:24pm PT
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Definitely want to "train" my new dog to snakes... anyone got the beta?
I do know that my vet offers rattler vaccines, not sure how well that works but worth checking out.
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TYeary
Social climber
State of decay
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:26pm PT
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As the climate slowly warms up over the years their nich will be pushed up higher and higher. Not uncommon to see "buzzworms" over 7000' in the San Gabriels now either!
TY
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froodish
Social climber
Portland, Oregon
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:30pm PT
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Pretty healthy looking one at Suicide Rock (near the base of Hair Lip) in '09:
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:32pm PT
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Seen 'em up to 9,000'.
Let the camera get warm in the sun first. Then it will strike at it. But you are not very likely to be fast enough to click on it. Use a video camera.
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Gary
climber
Desolation Basin, Calif.
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:35pm PT
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Tony, we saw a buzz worm at 8000' on the summit of Pacifico back in the '80s. In '07 we saw a snake, not a rattler, at 11,000', at the base of C. King.
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Eric Beck
Sport climber
Bishop, California
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:38pm PT
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Lori and I were leading a Sierra Club hike on the Yucaipa Ridge (San Bernardino Mtns) and came upon one at 8000. Saw a big one at the spring on the Half Dome trail and also below Snake Dike, both perhaps 7000.
Folklore has it that there are none in the Lake Tahoe basin. I never saw one, but considering that they are thriving just over the hill at Lovers leap I am sceptical.
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M. Volland
Trad climber
Grand Canyon
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:43pm PT
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I was stuck at by a rattlesnake while trail running from Glen Aulin to Merced Lake HSC. I sensed movement and looked down mid stride to see half of a snake, straight as an arrow between my legs. I surprised it and it struck, but it missed. I have not ran trails since.
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Sonic
Trad climber
Central Coast, California
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:44pm PT
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Weschrist-
I've seen a couple up around echo lake, but not around the lake
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:48pm PT
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I saw a Mountain Gartersnake, Thamnophis elegans elegans, above Mineral King at 10,800'.
Mountain Gartersnake range:
Occurs throughout the Sierra Nevada Mountains, through most of the north except for the outer Coast Ranges south at least as far as Mt. St. Helena. There is an isolated population in the San Bernardino mountains and in the Sacramento Valley. Ranges north into Oregon. The species Thamnophis elegans ranges from sea level to 13,100 ft. (3,990 m) in elevation in Colorado. (Stebbins, 2003)
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Mike Bolte
Trad climber
Planet Earth
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:54pm PT
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Thanks for the post and the story Dick. I have always assumed, that Tuolumne was rattlesnake free. Nice photos.
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Chaz
Trad climber
greater Boss Angeles area
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:54pm PT
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Weschrist,
Google "rattlesnake avoidance", and you should find someone who can snake-proof your dog.
My dogs have all been snake-trained, and they don't want anything to do with snakes anymore. If the Doberman thinks she's spotted a snake, she won't even let me get near it.
I saw a big black one a few years ago on the Mt San Bernardino trail, between Limber Pine Bench and Washington Monument - at least 9,000 feet.
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James Wilcox
Boulder climber
Santa Barbara
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Jul 14, 2011 - 01:55pm PT
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Last year I looked into the rattlesnake vaccine for dogs. The vaccine doesn't completely eliminate the need for anti-venom shots if your dog is bite, but it does reduce the number of treatments needed, and maybe more importantly, buys you extra time getting your dog to the vet. But the vacine isn't cheap, either, and lasts for about year if I remember correctly.
A while ago I encountered coal black rattler at Lizard's Mouth here in S.B. In the shade of the manzanita it looked like a stick. A little scary how "invisible" it was.
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steelmnkey
climber
Vision man...ya gotta have vision...
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Jul 14, 2011 - 02:09pm PT
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We had a dachshund that got nailed at 7000'+ at an area near Flagstaff in the late 90's. Vet said she didn't want to give him anti-venom because of the damage it could do to internal organs, so she pumped him huge with saline and he came out okay. He was like a walking bowl of jello for a while. We didn't expect snakes that high either, but now we know better.
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Chaz
Trad climber
greater Boss Angeles area
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Jul 14, 2011 - 02:14pm PT
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I used these guys to train my dogs:
http://socalrattlesnakeavoidancetraining.com/
They came right to the house.
I used to use a guy in Norco, named Callaghan, until he passed away a couple years ago.
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frog-e
Trad climber
Imperial Beach California
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Jul 14, 2011 - 02:16pm PT
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All the snakes in South east San Diego county are mellow, even the rattles.
they are all kicking back, digging the onshore's and living life in what must be "snake paradise"; cracks in clean huge granite boulders.
Climate control!
They knew we were there, they saw our hands and feet sticking into the cracks we climbed and thought "there are those silly ape things, again'.
The rattles down south, they like siesta, and margaritas with the sunset.
they are the home crew, and you better respect 'em Pancho.
Cause they could wreck yer day any darn time they want.
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Chaz
Trad climber
greater Boss Angeles area
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Jul 14, 2011 - 02:18pm PT
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I'd like to see a few rattlers around here.
The king snakes and racers have taken over ( they eat rattlesnakes ), so now the goddamn ground squirrels are out of control.
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surfstar
climber
Santa Barbara, CA
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Jul 14, 2011 - 02:19pm PT
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So not cool. I thought I was safe at elevation. How long until the poison oak makes its way up too?
Great, one more thing to worry about next weekend - what's worse though, the skeeters or rattlers in the Meadows right now?
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 14, 2011 - 02:19pm PT
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So, Chaz, is this a pooch before or after training by these guys? :-)
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Bad Acronym
climber
Little Death Hollow
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Jul 14, 2011 - 02:23pm PT
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Sat down about a foot next to a baby rattler (7") a couple weeks ago at the campground boulders at the leap. We were fiddling around with big bro placements in less-than-parallel cracks. A guy nearby jumps up, grabs the #5, pushes the trigger and attempts to persuade the little guy to move on. He then utters one of my new favorite (climbing-related) quotes: "Dude, it's not responding to the big bro."
Conclusion: the #5 proves nearly useless in all regards.
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Daphne
Trad climber
Mill Valley, CA
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Jul 14, 2011 - 02:29pm PT
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Bad Acronym, thanks for the laugh! Great line!
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Chaz
Trad climber
greater Boss Angeles area
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Jul 14, 2011 - 02:34pm PT
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Reilly,
That's during the training.
That dog is wearing a shock-collar, and he's about to get zapped.
He'll never get that close to a rattler again.
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TYeary
Social climber
State of decay
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Jul 14, 2011 - 02:59pm PT
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Mountain Gartersnake, Thamnophis elegans elegans
Caught one coming off the Vivian Creek Trail, San G. a while back. Not common but in isolated populations as Reilly says.
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rmuir
Social climber
From the Time Before the Rocks Cooled.
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Jul 14, 2011 - 03:15pm PT
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Another venomous critter... I've seen small scorpion more than once in the Whitney Portal (8,000') in the last 20 years. ...surprised to see them that high.
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Friedo
Trad climber
South Lake Tahoe
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Jul 14, 2011 - 03:23pm PT
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Although I do fear for my dogs safety (seeing her get bit is my worst nightmare), you have to remember that rattlers don't want to bite you. They rattle when they feel threatened. Just back away when you hear it. The only way you'll get bit is if you step on one, get WAY too close to a coiled one, or start f**king with one...
I think it's actually pretty cool that they warn you when you're too close!
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Crillz
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Jul 14, 2011 - 03:43pm PT
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It'd be nice if they warned you every time, but about half the time I see them around Leavenworth, WA it's like they're on stealth missions (which they actually are I suppose). I've seen more this year than the last few years combined.
I'm pretty sketched now and carry sticks to probe the bushes along the climber trails, and try to be super cautious. They've got pretty good camo though, and are pretty hard to see until you get close, see them move, or hear them rattling.
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tallguy
Trad climber
eastside
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Jul 14, 2011 - 03:55pm PT
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Actually Cragman, I don't think that snakes hear the noise of rack at all (other types of animals would though). It's your footsteps I think. Walk heavily and maybe you give them the warning they need.
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TYeary
Social climber
State of decay
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Jul 14, 2011 - 03:58pm PT
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Dean, I'm still waiting to see pics of your Rosy Boas there in June Lake.
Have you seen any this season yet?
TY (Tony)
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phylp
Trad climber
Millbrae, CA
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Jul 14, 2011 - 04:07pm PT
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Wow, this has really changed my assumptions about when I'm likely to encounter a rattler. Now I guess I can just be hyper-vigilant ALL the time!
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jul 14, 2011 - 04:59pm PT
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Vibrations, heat and really strong sense of "smell". Here is one from JT. I have seen them above 9,000 before.
Got buzzed by a big one on an MTB ride last weekend, which was unusual. It was already buzzing when we got to it. Usually they just ignore us on the bike unless we stop and they feel like they trapped/threatened. This one really had an attitude for some reason.
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looking sketchy there...
Social climber
Latitute 33
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Jul 14, 2011 - 05:26pm PT
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Where is this secret 9,000 ft summit in Josh? ;)
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labrat
Trad climber
Nevada City, CA
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Jul 14, 2011 - 05:30pm PT
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StahBro did not say JT and 9000 in one sentence. Read the post sketchy....
Erik
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crazymountaingoat
Big Wall climber
modesto, ca
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Jul 14, 2011 - 05:44pm PT
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I talked with my vet friend a while back and he said the dog vac.s are good for giving you more time to get help, but the tissue damage from the venom will still happen. so your dog could survive but without limbs posibly. Seems like a good idea overall.
the dog training is only a shock collar? I'll do that myself thank you. Anyone have pet rattlers for a little down home dog trainin'?
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Jul 14, 2011 - 05:58pm PT
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There's a very high summit somewhere behind Mount Dutzi, possibly on the Cohn property.
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jul 14, 2011 - 06:28pm PT
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Sketchy,
I'm not telling till I bag all the mega classic choss. It starts in a 5,000 deep ft canyon in Queen Mountain ;-)
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cleo
Social climber
Berkeley, CA
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Jul 14, 2011 - 07:49pm PT
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I had a similar experience, Dick. Saw TWO rattlers on the approach to Snake Dike (guess that's why they call it Snake Dike). The 2nd one I only saw out of the corner of my eye as it lunged at my foot. Luckily it missed... bugger was half in, half out of its hole, which is why it had limited range (and why I didn't hear it buzzing!)
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F10
Trad climber
e350 / Bishop
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Jul 14, 2011 - 08:00pm PT
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"StahBro did not say JT and 9000 in one sentence. Read the post sketchy...."
I've been over 9000' many a night in HVCG....
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Jul 14, 2011 - 08:02pm PT
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But you don't need to worry if you see Bridwell wearing a feather boa.
Then again,..
(somebody needs to photoshop the shot of him with Billy and Largo)
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Friedo
Trad climber
South Lake Tahoe
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Jul 14, 2011 - 08:08pm PT
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Cragman,
Funny you should mention carrying the rack, since I've scared myself sh*tless when stoppers brush against a rock. Sounds similar to a rattle.
A few weeks ago at the Leap I did just that, then realized it was only my rack. Then my partner came up the approach trail and jumped, "Yup, you were right, that was a rattler"!
Glad I told him I scared myself...
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tom woods
Gym climber
Bishop, CA
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Jul 14, 2011 - 08:50pm PT
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There used to be a big fat one that lived on the shoulder of Half Dome. You could usually see him just off the trail to the right, in the trees, before the campsite at the base of the steps.
I don't know how many people walked by that one, but he/she didn't seem to mind.
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Jul 14, 2011 - 09:03pm PT
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Would snakes living in such high places migrate in spring and autumn from and to lower elevations, where they'd have more time to get fat before hibernating, and maybe it would be easier to find a dry, safe hibernaculum?
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Tobia
Social climber
GA
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Jul 14, 2011 - 10:07pm PT
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Anti-venom shots are over $900 for dogs in this part of the country. In the last few years I have had 4 dogs to get fanged. None have had any permanent damage. 3 of the 4 were either water moccasin or rattle snake bites (judging by the distance between punctures). One was more than likely from a copperhead. Two were bit on the muzzle, they must have stuck their face in the snakes and the other was on the leg.
The chow, bitten on the leg, skin turned black and swelled somewhat. After a few days his skin returned to normal. The other bites were on labs. Each one's head got to be the size of a small watermelon. One was only a puppy and his head was as big as his body.
Each one of the labs from then on, when approaching a snake, would stand back and give a distinctively different bark. If I was in hearing distance I would go check and there would always be a snake of some type.
I see all kinds of rattle snakes, but on my property I seem to have an abundance of canebrake or timber rattlers. They will only strike when they are cornered and have no means of escape.
I usually leave them alone. I did kill a copperhead not to long ago that was in the stall of a neighbor's barn (along with the horse). Kind of a testy situation not to get clobbered by the horse before getting to the snake. Fortunately the stall was big enough to give the horse a little maneuvering room. It was like two boxers in their corners in a title bout. I was more worried about the horse (17 1/2 hands) freaking out on me than the snake.
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Steve Grossman
Trad climber
Seattle, WA
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Jul 14, 2011 - 10:36pm PT
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What a beauty! Glad it didn't bite your gal.
Four feet's a big'un!
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p-owed
Trad climber
Ramona ca
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Jul 14, 2011 - 10:50pm PT
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KILL ALL SNAKES
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surfstar
climber
Santa Barbara, CA
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Jul 15, 2011 - 01:39am PT
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KILL ALL SNAKES
As it relates to surfing, I approve.
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Daphne
Trad climber
Mill Valley, CA
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Jul 15, 2011 - 01:51am PT
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Ok, that does it. I am staying in the gym ;-)
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BurnRockBurn
climber
South of Black Rock City (CC,NV)
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Jul 15, 2011 - 02:04am PT
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I get my dogs The antivenom shots every year. 39 bucks each. Not sure why they are so much other areas of the country. Have taken care if several kids bitten by rattlesnakes in the last couple years. Not pretty and the antidote is over 5000 per vial and you usually start with 2-4 vials. Last kid bit we used 12 vials. Kiddo did great though. Be safe out there
Shawn
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Willoughby
Social climber
Truckee, CA
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Jul 15, 2011 - 02:12am PT
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I've seen rattlers in Inyo Co. up to around 8500' on the eastern slopes. Can't recall any higher than that.
Speaking of garters, here's a perhaps-inappropriately named Valley Garter from Donner Summit today. I don't always harass every snake I see, but this sucker deserved a photo or three. Big!
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doughnutnational
Gym climber
its nice here in the spring
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Jul 15, 2011 - 09:53am PT
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II have seen a rattlesnake at about 9,000 feet on the way to Eagle peak near Courtright. Here is one from my yard at 800' last week. All of my dogs get the vaccine and it is $60.00 here.
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Morgan
Trad climber
East Coast
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Jul 15, 2011 - 10:45am PT
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This small one was at the base of El Cap next to a lizard. The Moms and Dads were not far away.
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tiki-jer
Trad climber
fresno/clovis
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Jul 15, 2011 - 10:47am PT
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That is a beauty The Chief!! Friends have seen a buzzer on the trail to Lost Eagle up in Shuteye. And have heard from others active in the area that they too have had some encounters.
When I first started dating my former wife I'd take her to JT and when I spotted any snake I'd divert her attention and point something else out.
Didn't want to scare her off too early.
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Caveman
climber
Cumberland Plateau
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Jul 15, 2011 - 11:00am PT
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"KILL ALL SNAKES"
The rodents approve this message.
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craig mo
Trad climber
L.A. Ca.
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Jul 15, 2011 - 11:15am PT
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I saw this one in ladder canyon. i think its a mojave green.
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this just in
climber
north fork
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Jul 15, 2011 - 12:07pm PT
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Hey ludwig I too was wondering why everyone was saying the vaccine is so much. Maybe we should stock up and sell. Went to the nation on Wednesday, I'm injured so I only watched but it was good to be up there. Ludwig's Landmark saw some action, what a classic.
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HighTraverse
Trad climber
Bay Area
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Jul 15, 2011 - 12:08pm PT
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The first rattler I ever saw, I was a kid at about 9000 feet in the Wasatch. He was across a narrow trail on a steep cliffside and we stoned him to death. Hey, rattlers are "varmints" ain't they?
I've had a few "close calls" with rattlers. In general they are more defensive than offensive. Leave 'em alone and they'll leave you alone. Which of course assumes you don't actually step on them or stuff your hand into their hiding place. Have surprised three of them up close and personal (face to face on a scramble; stepped over one hiking on a Wasatch trail; and jamming P1 Little John Right side) and I just slowly moved past each time. No big deal except for my near heart attacks. None of them even buzzed.
The most aggressive snake here in the Santa Cruz mtns is the lowly Gopher Snake. His defense is to look and act like a rattler. They can really posture, including "rattling" their tails when surprised.
Then there's the Mojave rattlesnake.
Chief, you're one lucky guy. Them there Mojaves are the nasty business (as I'm sure you know). A few years ago we tried to get one out of the path in Oak Creek Canyon at Red Rocks. It was nearing dusk and there was a family with kids coming out behind us. Didn't want the kiddies to step near the beast. He was really aggressive. We tossed pebbles at him and instead of retreating he came after us! Now that was disconcerting! Took us about 10 minutes to drive him out of the path and then he went down his hole.....behind a sage bush....right next to the path. Oh well.
I wonder if the late season snow cover is concentrating the snakes in the few open, warm and dry areas?
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Batrock
Trad climber
Burbank
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Jul 15, 2011 - 03:27pm PT
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I have seen rattle snakes at over 10000 feet in the White Mountains and have seen a few at 9500 on the road at Coyote Flats between Big Pine and Bishop.
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Tobia
Social climber
GA
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Jul 15, 2011 - 11:35pm PT
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The $900 is for treatment after a bite (antivenom); to negate the effects of the venom. The expense is because of the multistage process of creating it.
The preventive shot would be a vaccine and not the same as antivenom; which seems like a good idea at that price but is not widely recommended because it isn't proven to be effective.
At one time I worked on a quail hunting plantation with a kennel of 30+ bird dogs. Rattle snake bites were a big concern, especially for some of the higher pedigree dogs. We never had one die from a snake bite but a few by careless hunters. No antivenom for that but I sure thought of a cure a few times when a beloved dog would die.
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10b4me
Ice climber
Happy Boulders
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Jul 16, 2011 - 12:36am PT
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There was a rattler that lived under a downed tree at the Stream Wall at Mt. Williamson.
I have also seen them at the Timber saddle(head of Ice House Canyon)
In all the years of climbing in Jtree(30+), I have only seen one rattler, and that was on a warm January day.
Have seen them in Holcomb Valley, but it was none threatening
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Batrock
Trad climber
Burbank
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Jul 16, 2011 - 12:58am PT
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I have seen lots all in one spot up at Horse Flats right below Ant Line. They all started coming out as we were climbing, scared the crap out of me when all of a sudden I look down and there are 5 big rattlers sitting on the rock by my backpack.
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flakyfoont
Trad climber
carsoncity nv
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Jul 16, 2011 - 01:18am PT
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Rattlers are nothing new in the olmstead area. My 1st encounter near there was on the May lake trail, on the way to do Mt. Hoffman in 1973.
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kaholatingtong
Boulder climber
nevada city, California
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Jul 16, 2011 - 03:09am PT
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saw a smaller rattler, about a foot, last sunday at indian springs, lower down on donner donner pass, west side. probably about 6500 feet ? was probably the highest i have ever seen one myself, but from the sounds of things here that isn't really that high, comparatively.
btw, props bad_acronym. well spoken. @ like.
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Dick Erb
climber
June Lake, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 16, 2011 - 05:33pm PT
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kaholatingtong
Thanks for the post. It seems like there could be a natural tendency for people to post only what seems notable, but all data is notable in a survey.
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James Wilcox
Boulder climber
Santa Barbara
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Jul 16, 2011 - 06:23pm PT
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$60.00 for the vaccine is cheap. Two of the Santa Barbara Vets I called wanted $150.00. Of course, they charge $50.00 just to bring the dog inside their office.
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Tobia
Social climber
GA
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Jul 16, 2011 - 08:24pm PT
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Five coming out of one spot; was it the spring time. Adult rattlesnakes often hibernate in groups from a few to hundreds and will share space with other animals such as tortoises and other animals.
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michaeld
Sport climber
Near Tahoe, CA
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Jul 16, 2011 - 10:32pm PT
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My first time to the Buttermilks. Was warming up on Ranger Rock, was trying the v6 slab problem on the far left side closest to the road. I kept trying it and trying it, landing on crash pad over and over. Eventually I look down at my feet and see this guy.
I take it he was too cold to do anything like rattle or bite me.
I had to scoot the pad back a couple of feet to get him in the picture.
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Uli
Trad climber
SFC
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Jul 17, 2011 - 12:39am PT
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Sunny Side bench, Yosemite
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Captain...or Skully
climber
or some such
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Jul 17, 2011 - 12:47am PT
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Rattlers are NBD. Scenery. I dig 'em.
They're peaceful creatures, unless you're a mouse.
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simillimum
climber
maine
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Jul 20, 2011 - 06:57pm PT
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Email me for info on treating snakebites with
Homeopathy and getting small Climbers 1st Aid Remedy
Kit. Fall & winter courses in the bay area upcoming as well.
drwendypollock@gmail.com
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TGT
Social climber
So Cal
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Jul 20, 2011 - 07:30pm PT
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treating snakebites with
Homeopathy
Sounds like a good way to die!
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Jul 20, 2011 - 08:07pm PT
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Yeah;
"The doctor says yer gonna die."
Small climber's first aid remedy kit?
Fine by me. Screw the tall bastards.
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Patrick Sawyer
climber
Originally California now Ireland
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Jul 20, 2011 - 08:24pm PT
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One of my brothers, Mac, head winemaker at Conn Valley Vineyards (Napa), had a rattler that just would not leave the caves, hiding among the barrels (maybe drinking some wine, heh heh, who knows). He/they finally got it to leave. A couple of weeks later one of the vineyard workers showed up with about a dead four-foot rattler. My brother was not really happy, telling the, okay I will say it though it is not PC, migrant worker that rattlesnakes are good for vineyards.
As we are learning from encounters with sharks, venomous snakes and such (tigers, lions, cougars, grizzlies, hippoes, etc etc),… we are learning, they don’t have it in for us. I’d be more afraid of walking late at night down some city street – there are a lot of two-legged snakes and sharks out there.
Actually, as I understand it, hippopotamuses are more responsible for human deaths in Africa than any other animal (crocs, snakes, lions etc) species.
Several years ago, I saw this interesting video of a hippo charging out of the bushes chasing some guy on a dirt road but running out of steam so the guy could escape. If I was that guy, I would have been shitting in my shorts as I ran. The darn thing was as big as frigging VW Beetle.
Jim Keating and I literally ran face to face with a rattler on the approach to Snake Dike (sort of fitting, isn’t it).
I don’t know. You run into a cougar in SoCal, a rattler in Yosemite, a grizzly in Montana, or some crazed gang member anywhere. I will take the former three.
cheers
EDIT
"Actually, as I understand it, hippopotamuses are more responsible for human deaths in Africa than any other animal (crocs, snakes, lions etc) species."
Excluding humans of course - Congo, Sudan, Rwanda, Somalia, Tibet, certain parts of Latin America, Burma, etc etc ad nauseam. Oh yeah, and downtown LA as I understand it. But those hippos... not to be messed with. A hood can take a kick to the... well unless he is carrying a gun. With a hippo, no kick to the ** will do, try an anti-tank bazooka
Nuclear bombs and WMD were not created by sharks, snakes, chimpanzees (Uhh on, Escape from the Planet of the Apes). My friend Willard of the Rats created the WMD (actually I never saw the Willard film). Point being, um, humans cannot necessarily be the most humane of species on this little globe.
Just watch out for mad elephants in Asia and Africa, they need their space too. Or orcas (killer whales) are being increasingly sighted in Irish waters, just as I am learning to scuba dive.
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surfstar
climber
Santa Barbara, CA
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Jul 20, 2011 - 10:10pm PT
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Yeah;
"The doctor says yer gonna die."
Small climber's first aid remedy kit?
Fine by me. Screw the tall bastards.
drwendypollock@gmail.com
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drunkenmaster
Social climber
santa rosa
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Jul 20, 2011 - 10:29pm PT
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i guess its possible but it is rare to see them over 6-8000 ft from what ive seen i saw one a few years ago at lovers leap and that surprised me. i see them A LOT down here in sonoma/napa/lake/mendo counties.
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Sonic
Trad climber
Hilly, but no rocks Folsom, California
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Jul 20, 2011 - 10:41pm PT
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I saw one this last weekend from the descent at Lovers Leap. Looked about 3 to 4 years old.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, CA
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Jul 20, 2011 - 11:16pm PT
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Yeah, I spotted a monster rattler under a rock at the base of Sharks's Tooth at Phantom Spires. It was pretty docile and mellow, but it was BIG!
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Tobia
Social climber
GA
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Jul 20, 2011 - 11:59pm PT
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Captain, they swallow rabbits and bigger critters around here. They are referred to as "bell tails" in the south.
I have stepped around them, on them, over them and have never been bitten while cruising timber. They seem to go out of their way to be left alone and warn you when you are too close. Snake boots and chaps are essential protection for the time they do strike.
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eagle
Trad climber
new paltz, ny
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Jul 21, 2011 - 07:36pm PT
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that guy from florida holding the mondo rattler probably marinated it in his natural ice beer and called a few buds over for a bbq
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Patrick Sawyer
climber
Originally California now Ireland
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Jul 21, 2011 - 07:47pm PT
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Eagle
I have eaten rattler meat, much more unctuous than other reptiles I have tasted, such as frog legs, alligator and crocodile. Snake definitely has a different taste.
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doughnutnational
Gym climber
its nice here in the spring
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Jul 22, 2011 - 09:54am PT
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I've never eaten any other reptiles, but I've felt obligated to eat every rattler I've killed during my years living in the foothills. While it does taste a little like chicken it chews like a steel belted radial.
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Tobia
Social climber
GA
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Jul 22, 2011 - 10:10am PT
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I have eaten rattlesnake... must be in the marinade it was tender and like stated above similar to chicken and frog legs.
Rattlers do get monstrous in the south but a little foolery in most pictures of the big ones; the snake is usually placed closer to the lens and seems much larger than anything behind it.
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sauce
climber
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Jul 22, 2011 - 07:29pm PT
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@ craig mo - The snake you shared in that photo is not a Mohave a Speckled Rattlesnake or Crotalus mitchelli pyrrhus.
@ The Chief - I am curious to know where Pine Creek is located. The snake in that picture is not a Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus). It appears to me like a Panamint Rattlesnake (Crotalus stephensi) but if you can tell me where this was I could make a better determination.
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martygarrison
Trad climber
Washington DC
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Jul 22, 2011 - 08:22pm PT
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I have run into a bunch at the leap. The highest I have seen them is at the vista on Sonora Pass (9600'),twice actually. First time was some 35 years ago so I am not so sold on climate change driving em up.
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drljefe
climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
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Jul 23, 2011 - 01:03am PT
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Not the high country
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hairyapeman
Trad climber
1.5 hours from Yosemite!!!
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Jul 23, 2011 - 01:21am PT
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Jul 23, 2011 - 04:39pm PT
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Came across this is a '76 "Off Belay". An added bonus is the news item in
upper left - 35 years ago almost exactly!
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