Caught a Rattlesnake!!

Happy Labor Day! Me and the Wife went hiking about 10 minutes from where we live. I had snake hook in hand. Went all the way up the trail without seeing any herps. Disappointed....we started descending down the hill and at the corner of my eye caught a glimpse of a snake half way out of his hole. Grabbed my hook and pulled him out and turned out to be a rattler!!!! I don't know which species of Rattlesnake this is....any help would be appreciated!! I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and was herping on the mountains near the coast in San Mateo County. All the pics were taken about an hour ago.
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Super cool!!!

Looks like a Southern Pacific Rattlesnake, subspecies of a Western

very pretty

Thats pretty cool. thanks for sharing!

I think that is the Northern variety of the Western Rattler, c.v. orgeanus as opposed to the southern c.v. helleri.

Cool snake but wicked venom.

nice snake! i would definitely say northern pacific too...although i'm not an expert on you western states.
and yeah, don't get bit by one of those guys...

Okay I'm not trying to be a wet blanket here. I really am looking to learn but is it a good or safe thing to pick up a venomous snake, take pictures, THEN ask what kind it is?

My first guess is a N. Pacific as well.....those are plenty HOT and should not be kept by novice hot keepers.

Very nice find, bad idea if you kept it.

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

Okay I'm not trying to be a wet blanket here. I really am looking to learn but is it a good or safe thing to pick up a venomous snake, take pictures, THEN ask what kind it is?

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If I see a rattle I'm probably not messing with it.jk If I had a hook like he did and its small I'd probably pick it up just for the thrill.

But what if it does get you Emilio? If you don't know the hots that are native to the area you live in, you aren't likely to know what to tell the E.R. Aren't anti-venoms pretty much specific to the type of snake that bit you? It's only after he's had that snake in his hands he's now learning it's very venomous....seems a bit late to know that as far as safety goes. Like I said, I'm just trying to learn here.

Most all NA pit viper bites are treated with Crofab. One bite can run around $10,000 in bills if they get you all fixed up the first try. If surgery is needed there is even more involved.

Granted, some take a bite and get no more then a shot of Benedryl, however that is a big gamble with your life.

Those are some very nice snakes, I would loved to have been there to get pics of it. I do not know your background and my last post may have seemed rude....if so I am sorry. I have kept and helped keep HOTS for a few years and they are no joke.

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

Okay I'm not trying to be a wet blanket here. I really am looking to learn but is it a good or safe thing to pick up a venomous snake, take pictures, THEN ask what kind it is?

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Check this out man....I know Rattlesnakes are plenty venomous. I have had some experience with hots..but not much. I DO know how to handle one. I know the repercussion if being bit by one. I was just asking what SPECIES of Rattlesnake it is. I am not an expert at knowing what EVERY species of snake is. Thats all.

Thanks everyone else for the comments.

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Originally Posted by Nightmare Creatures

Those are some very nice snakes, I would loved to have been there to get pics of it. I do not know your background and my last post may have seemed rude....if so I am sorry. I have kept and helped keep HOTS for a few years and they are no joke.

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Didn't take it as rude...no worries bro. Thanks for the comments! :gj:

Jo, there was a boy with a stick and a snake on a trail.

Could there have been any other outcome?

We all start somewhere. I was picking Northerns and Mojave Greens when I was learning myself.

You know you can be in trouble if you get bit, you just have to be as careful as you can.

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

Okay I'm not trying to be a wet blanket here. I really am looking to learn but is it a good or safe thing to pick up a venomous snake, take pictures, THEN ask what kind it is?

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I agree with you, Jo!
There was a guy at the Austin show yesterday that had also caught a rattler while out field herping. He had the bandage on his hand and stories of the removal of his dead flesh to prove it.

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Originally Posted by wilomn

Jo, there was a boy with a stick and a snake on a trail.

Could there have been any other outcome?

We all start somewhere. I was picking Northerns and Mojave Greens when I was learning myself.

You know you can be in trouble if you get bit, you just have to be as careful as you can.

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If it's one of my boys I'll be swatting them with the stick until they go do their research first, Wes LOL. Granted I didn't grow up in an area that's got a lot of venomous snakes in the first place so perhaps it's a geographical thing.

To the OP, look I wasn't trying to be mean to you, though you obviously took it that way. I was trying to understand what makes a person pick up a venomous snake on a trail like that and what the reprecussions of it are or could be. If it bothers you to have anyone express concern, then I'm sorry about that but learning about safety is also about how I learn.

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Originally Posted by SarahMB

I agree with you, Jo!
There was a guy at the Austin show yesterday that had also caught a rattler while out field herping. He had the bandage on his hand and stories of the removal of his dead flesh to prove it.

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I've been nailed so many times lately Sarah with these little hatchlings that I'm real glad they are harmless things. I've suddenly become tasty BP food apparently. :rolleyes:

I would'nt pick it up,I would take some pics of it,I heard their venom is really deadly,more so than the east coast rattlers.I watch venom ER!:D

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Originally Posted by wilomn

Jo, there was a boy with a stick and a snake on a trail.

Could there have been any other outcome?

We all start somewhere. I was picking Northerns and Mojave Greens when I was learning myself.

You know you can be in trouble if you get bit, you just have to be as careful as you can.

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i agree, you gotta get your feet wet sometime and if you're feet are wet then you gotta stay well practiced. venomous animals are not to be taken lightly, but that doesn't mean that nobody should touch them. you got a snake hook, you know what you're doing, you will be safe if you're careful.

It may be stupid, but if he has experience and knows what he's doing to some extent, he's probably going to do it. Unavoidable, but expected.

Jo, I totally feel for you. If that was my dad, boyfriend, or brother I would probably beat the crap outta him from dawn until dusk.

Cool find anyhow.

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

If it's one of my boys I'll be swatting them with the stick until they go do their research first, Wes LOL. Granted I didn't grow up in an area that's got a lot of venomous snakes in the first place so perhaps it's a geographical thing.

To the OP, look I wasn't trying to be mean to you, though you obviously took it that way. I was trying to understand what makes a person pick up a venomous snake on a trail like that and what the reprecussions of it are or could be. If it bothers you to have anyone express concern, then I'm sorry about that but learning about safety is also about how I learn.

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Sorry if I came off as rude to you frankykeno.

I am no expert with hots...but have handled rattlesnakes before. Believe it or not...IF worst case scenario i was to be bitten, Stanford Hospital is a 10 minute drive and 5 minute walk down the trail from where i saw the snake. I had a hook and was careful and had another person with me. I didn't get bit so all is ok. But thanks for expressing your concern.:gj:

I agree that the average person should definitely leave hots alone. I have also in the past been young and invincible have done much riskier stuff than that. From where I sit now I would recommend erring on the side of caution.

Beautiful snake!! Hots look so much more rough and wild than the "normal" snakes I'm used to seeing. If I saw one I'd probably enjoy watching it and take a couple pics, but I wouldn't pick it up. Although only reason being that I have zero experience with hots and I wouldn't know what I was doing, lol. Great pictures. :D

unless you are doing field research you have zero business handling that snake.

you see steve irwin or some schmuck do it on tv, you keep snakes so you think you are a herper, so you gotta do it.

the whole point of you free handling that snake is so you could run home and post a photo on here and on myspace so people could tell you how aweseome you are.

freehandling a venomous snake is pretty ignorant. pit vipers are very delicate to begin with. the fact that you had no idea what species of rattlesnake it is is troubling enough, and proof enough you had no business handling it.

even though the hospital is ten minutes away, you could've had a serious reaction. a friend of mine took a cottonmouth bite and it cost him $80,000. DO you have $80,000 to spend?

Talk to Jim harrison of the KRZ about ametuer wannabe's free handling venomous snakes.

It was a dumb move, and next time around i hope you show more respect towards the animal.

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Originally Posted by redpython

unless you are doing field research you have zero business handling that snake.

you see steve irwin or some schmuck do it on tv, you keep snakes so you think you are a herper, so you gotta do it.

the whole point of you free handling that snake is so you could run home and post a photo on here and on myspace so people could tell you how aweseome you are.

freehandling a venomous snake is pretty ignorant. pit vipers are very delicate to begin with. the fact that you had no idea what species of rattlesnake it is is troubling enough, and proof enough you had no business handling it.

even though the hospital is ten minutes away, you could've had a serious reaction. a friend of mine took a cottonmouth bite and it cost him $80,000. DO you have $80,000 to spend?

Talk to Jim harrison of the KRZ about ametuer wannabe's free handling venomous snakes.

It was a dumb move, and next time around i hope you show more respect towards the animal.

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While you are entirely entitled to your opinion, it is just that. An opinion.

I don't recall seeing a notice that YOU were to be notified prior to all handling of hots in the wild. In fact, even if I had, I'd take a pass on it.

The guy was not irresponsible. He did not show off with it. He did not engage in dangerous handling, that we know of. He caught it, took some pics and let it go.

I've done the same more times than I can count. When I go road cruising I move every crot I find off the road. Sometimes that's a lot of snakes, though I don't get out much anymore.

You guys have no right jumping down this guys throat like has been done.

Yes, you DO have the right to your opinion but NOT to your condemnation.

I'm pretty sure the OP was of age to make the decision he did. He needs no permission to catch snakes, venomous or not. Had that been a kingsnake he caught how different would the posts have been. He would have been patted on the back for not only catching it but for sharing the capture with photos. Something of a double standard if you ask me.

Who are ANY of us to tell him he was wrong and shouldn't have done that?

Sometimes......

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Originally Posted by wilomn

Jo, there was a boy with a stick and a snake on a trail.

Could there have been any other outcome?

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At least he had a hook! My son only had a stick when he did the same thing :O

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

If it's one of my boys I'll be swatting them with the stick until they go do their research first, Wes LOL.

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I didn't swat my kid cause that's not how I roll, but I did have him write up a paper and also speak with the F&W guy about the snake and all sorts of neato things!

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Originally Posted by blackcrystal22

It may be stupid....

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Perhaps careless...spontaneous...or as my son said "The snake was just giving off such a peaceful vibe mom..." :P

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Originally Posted by kaotik94

...I am no expert with hots...but have handled rattlesnakes before.

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Oh thank gods. With my son, it was his first time!

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Originally Posted by redpython

unless you are doing field research you have zero business handling that snake.

you see steve irwin or some schmuck do it on tv, you keep snakes so you think you are a herper, so you gotta do it.

the whole point of you free handling that snake is so you could run home and post a photo on here and on myspace so people could tell you how aweseome you are.

freehandling a venomous snake is pretty ignorant. pit vipers are very delicate to begin with. the fact that you had no idea what species of rattlesnake it is is troubling enough, and proof enough you had no business handling it.

even though the hospital is ten minutes away, you could've had a serious reaction. a friend of mine took a cottonmouth bite and it cost him $80,000. DO you have $80,000 to spend?

Talk to Jim harrison of the KRZ about ametuer wannabe's free handling venomous snakes.

It was a dumb move, and next time around i hope you show more respect towards the animal.

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I disagree with your hard line approach and condemnation. You accused the OP of a lot of stuff and asked no questions. Hmmm, not the most enlightened approach. I see no disrespect shown to the snake in the pictures that were posted and the OP thought it was cool and that's okay for him to think that. You need to seriously lighten up and take a walk maybe....

To the OP: Please, write a paper about the rattlesnakes in your area and the correct handling of them and the safety protocols. Do not ask my son for his paper ;) Just understand what you are doing and pay attention 100% of the time that you are near the snake. 100% attention, 100% of the time.

Oh, and wear boots too ;)

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Originally Posted by redpython

unless you are doing field research you have zero business handling that snake.

you see steve irwin or some schmuck do it on tv, you keep snakes so you think you are a herper, so you gotta do it.

the whole point of you free handling that snake is so you could run home and post a photo on here and on myspace so people could tell you how aweseome you are.

freehandling a venomous snake is pretty ignorant. pit vipers are very delicate to begin with. the fact that you had no idea what species of rattlesnake it is is troubling enough, and proof enough you had no business handling it.

even though the hospital is ten minutes away, you could've had a serious reaction. a friend of mine took a cottonmouth bite and it cost him $80,000. DO you have $80,000 to spend?

Talk to Jim harrison of the KRZ about ametuer wannabe's free handling venomous snakes.

It was a dumb move, and next time around i hope you show more respect towards the animal.

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Who are YOU to tell me what not to handle?? ....and calling me ignorant because i handled a Rattlesnake? I ALWAYS share photos i take when i go field herping or hiking....and for you to talk smack because i LIKE to share experiences with fellow herpers.......ahhh....i am not even gonna go there. Go take a chill pill redpython. I could care less than what you think:gj:

OP: HAHAHAHA apparently you DO care what i think. you replied and PM'd me.

but the bottom line is you did have a snake hook, you had ZERO business free handling the snake.

I know a lot of people want to be arm chair field herpers just because they have kept a few snakes for a number of years.

Again, if you are not doing field research, you have zero business handling a venomous snake in the wild. That is just how it is.

As I said in my PM, you get my Tough Guy Award for 2008. Chuck Norris would be proud.

Jason, like I said, this was rather harsh and uncalled for. Your feelings are not an absolute in this industry, and while expressing an opinion is okay, you have in no uncertain terms told this gentleman that his reasons for picking up the snake are not good enough. Sorry... but on what grounds?

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Originally Posted by redpython

but the bottom line is you did have a snake hook, you had ZERO business free handling the snake.

I know a lot of people want to be arm chair field herpers just because they have kept a few snakes for a number of years.

Again, if you are not doing field research, you have zero business handling a venomous snake in the wild. That is just how it is.

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Sorry dude.......I didn't know YOU are the King of field herping and I should listen to you. :rofl:
Anyways....thanks everybody else for the comments. :gj:

Cool pics. I also agree with wilomn. No different than taking pics of a wild kingsnake (besides being a little more careful about being bitten than if it were a king :P)

That's a sweet find! Be careful! ;)

Justin

I agree that's a sweet find! I personally would not handle any hot like that....but that's me (I am the boss of me). If you feel comfortable doing that, then more power to ya dude (i'm not the boss of you). Sweet pics!

Im not trying to be a arshole but man that dangerous, have you had experience with picking up and handling poisonous snakes because thats how people die and just because you watch it on tv doesnt mean anyone can walk around with a snake stick and catch snakes. im not trying to be rude but you were 10 miles right with a hemotoxcin or nerotoxcin you wont make it very far and im sure your wife cant pick you up. god forbid you ever get hurt like that but, dude thats plain out reckless, id say view from far and admire the power and beauty but don't touch especially when you dont know what species it is, if you got bit and the snake got away how would you be able to get the right anti venom also you could be allergic to the anti venom, its a unnecessary risk, also now you can inspire a member on this site to do the same thing monkey see monkey do, im not just talking about you but anyone. but that my opinion take it or leave it...good luck and stay safe!!:gj:

As with the others you too are welcome to your opinion. Narrow is good sometimes.

But I don't think condemnation is due.

Just how does one gain field experience with hot if not by going out to the field. It's not the same as in someones snake room. Yes, I know this from years of personal experience.

You guys who won't/don't handle hots seem real worked up about someone who's obviously not an expert but working on getting better. Why not focus on that?

I'd also like to see any verified report of a rattlesnake caused death of a FIELD HERPER. I don't know of any.

How do you feel about skaters? How about people who speed? That is FAR more dangerous not only to you but to the people around you. Have you ever been hit in the ankle by a fast moving skateboard? How about nearly killed by a speeding driver?

What did you do then? Why was that different from now? You've got to admit that both skaters and speeders do DIE in fair numbers, verifiable, every year.

Do any of those of you who brought soap boxes have one that reaches those heights or do you all just have the short ones?

I'm sorry, but I don't know when the rule came about that only "TV Herpers" could handle these snakes. He's a big boy and can make his own decisions. If someone else is inspired to do it just because he did then I feel for them as they have other issues. If he is comfortable with his experience level and keeps his whits about him then it's his decision to make.

Thanks for sharing....

.... if handling venomous is your thing, do it responsibly. This person was fieldherping and sounds responsible in this instance.

On a side note, I have found that I can find wild reptiles in the same locations much more freqently when I do not handle them. Some of the locations I herp, I will see the same animals over and over again. I have handled a few....and they seem to migrate to another location afterward avoiding the threat. Don't know if that is a proven fact....just my experience.

....so it has become my own personal preference to not handle wild snakes unless to move them off the roadway....venomous or non-venomous....

.....but I will lie down on the ground in front of them to get cool photos on occasion ;)

http://odatria.com/SouthernHerper/Ph...MA/cotton2.jpg

Sweet pics Tim! dont let people like Red Python get you down. I have handled many hots in the wild for numerous years now. i have plenty of experience and knowledge on the right and wrong ways of handling the beautiful yet dangerous creatures. People like Red Python are just trying to talk crap b/c he doesnt have the knowledge or testicular fortitude to do what you did. I see nothing wrong with the way you handle that snake. I will be doing some field herping tomorrow and will hopefully have some good pics of me handling dome Rattlers,Copperheads, and i hope some Cottonmouths.

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Originally Posted by redpython

unless you are doing field research you have zero business handling that snake.

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the problem with this thought is that very few people are lucky enough to do field research. (i guess i'm lucky :) ) but, it's a moving experience to be able to handle a snake as majestic as rattler. if you have the know-how then there's nothing wrong with it.

it's dangerous to rock climb. but sometimes, looking at the cliffs just isn't enough. it's dangerous to white water raft. but sometimes just looking at the river isn't enough. it can be 'dangerous' to do a multitude of fun things... and by all means, be careful, but to live life with the mentality that you shouldn't do something because it has the potential of being dangerous does not make sense to me.