Snake in the Grass

Large California Pacific Gopher Snake laying in the sun alongside a popular trail. I doubt whether anyone saw this snake besides me as it was so well camouflaged in the foliage. I shot it as is without disturbing it.

This species of snake is a constrictor (Pituophis catenifer catenifer - Pacific Gopher Snake). It has no teeth, just cartilage. However,it shakes its tail in dry grass which along with the pattern on the back, makes people believe it is a Western Diamondback Rattle Snake - a common pit viper that does have teeth and somewhat poisonous. Sometimes these snakes are killed as an excuse for ridding an area of venomous snakes. They provide a good preventive for over population of mice, rats, and ground squirrels.

If you follow the body from the lower right up to the top, near the middle of the photograph, you can see the snake's head and his eye looking at me.

Tread carefully....