High Sierra Topix

Rattlers have been documented as high as 11,000 feet in the sierra. They are more numerous around water sources where small critters are also numerous, tho.

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Ska-T wrote:The unattractive feature of the Golden Trout Wilderness isn't rattlesnakes, it is the abuse caused by bovine grazing and the prodigious amount of cattle crap near and in waterways.

I don't know if this is the result, but I noticed the water in pools in the Little Kern River were somewhat brackish. Not crystal clear like I expected.

I did come upon a rattler - right next to water. This one was ingesting a meal - somewhere nearby was a 'roar' - I kid you not. The closer I got the louder it got. Made me wonder if these critters cover for each other while they are dining?
Here's more photos:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/yf8tyj7w80pwv55/j3IruFZRM9" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I can tell you I need to figure out how to lighten up. I can't haul all this stuff any more!

camptramp wrote:

Ska-T wrote:The unattractive feature of the Golden Trout Wilderness isn't rattlesnakes, it is the abuse caused by bovine grazing and the prodigious amount of cattle crap near and in waterways.

Made me wonder if these critters cover for each other while they are dining?

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1373594163.837066.jpg

Here's more photos:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/yf8tyj7w80pwv55/j3IruFZRM9" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

In the snake world: "Hey Tony! I got me a rat! Time for me to chow down! Cover for me, will ya?"

pretty sure rattlers are tasty and can be mixed into a fine pasta sauce. Just saying. you do need a fishing license to take a snake. Check your DFW regs accordingly.

I kind of like rattlers, mostly because I despise rodents, and find most snakes rather docile. They rattle to say 'hey I'm here, don't step on me'.

they don't always rattle. i've stepped over two that didn't.

Nice photos!

camptramp wrote:I can tell you I need to figure out how to lighten up. I can't haul all this stuff any more!

I can see the utility of the ladder, easy to hang your bear bag, but regarding the hoe, were you removing non-native plants or doing trail maintenance?

Moses had his staff, I had my hoe - makes a great walking stick.

Even if I wasn't vegetarian, I couldn't imagine eating something that dines on rodents. I hope it is not legal to kill snakes in the sierra, especially the harmless ones. The only rattler I've seen was in Buckeye Canyon, soaking up sun in the middle of the trail. A day long hike in the Santa Monica Mountains almost guarantees at least one rattler, and a few other species if you are lucky enough.