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Cait Meets the Snake

One day while exploring Hwy. 198 in Monterey County, I came upon a rattlesnake sunning itself by the roadside.

I'd stopped to photograph a dead oak tree a little ways back along the road.

Fortunately, as I walked back, I watched where I put my feet. Imagine my surprise and delight when I came up behind a Western Rattlesnake.

Longer than my arm and thicker than my wrist, the snake blended beautifully into its surroundings.

Except for its constantly flicking tongue, the snake appeared motionless while I took these photographs.

Such a patient snake. It watched me intently as I moved closer taking pictures.
[concerned] Friends have pointed out how puffed up the snake is and how its tail is elevated.
[alarmed] Friends reminded me that a rattlesnake need not be coiled to strike,
and can lunge, bite and recoil faster than the eye can see.
Don't try this on your own . . .
After taking several photos, I decided I couldn't leave the snake so close to the road for fear it would attempt to cross and be run over and killed. But how to move it to safety? Looking around, I found a piece of siding, 6-feet long, thin, but not sharp, perfect for my purpose. I first slid one end of the siding right under the snake's nose, thinking it would become annoyed and start to back away from me. Instead, it seemed to cork-screw it's head/upper body tighter. It simply would not budge. Next, I slid the siding under the snake about mid length and lifted. The snake did nothing. Its length evenly distributed, draped over the board, I carried it a few feet away from the road, then slid it off into the brush. Still feeling the snake was in danger, I lifted and moved it a second, then a third time. As the snake slid off the siding for the last time, I heard the rattle of its tail as a warning. It was letting me know it had had enough.
Native Rattlesnakes California King Snake California Gopher Snake
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