Finally found one, and it was totally unexpected!
Unfortunately, my photographs aren't all that great since my camera requires me to be about 20cm away from a subject to take good, detailed photographs. I couldn't take that risk here.
This was found yesterday about 8pm in Polk County. Chris W, you might recognize this road from our chapter outing:
As found
Crotalus horridus (Timber Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr
Crotalus horridus (Timber Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr
Crotalus horridus (Timber Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr
Crotalus horridus (Timber Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr
And for size comparison, my hook fully extended as in the photograph is 35.75inches. That puts this guy at just over 4 feet, close to 4.5 feet. It was the biggest (in general girth, weight, length) snake I have ever seen.
Crotalus horridus (Timber Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr
This is the most impressive snake I have ever seen. It was very calm, and only rattled a few times, but I have a feeling it knew just how deadly it could be if it wanted to be.
Thanks for looking!
Kyle
East Texas C. horridus
Moderator: Scott Waters
Re: East Texas C. horridus
That is a beautiful timber, especially in pic #4.
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Re: East Texas C. horridus
Nice find Kyle!
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Re: East Texas C. horridus
Nice find Kyle. There out there, you just have to put in the time, which you obviously have. That's a good looking timber too. Congrats!
John
John
Re: East Texas C. horridus
That's a neat find, Kyle. Congratulations!
-Gerald Keown
-Gerald Keown
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Re: East Texas C. horridus
That is next on my life list! Sick find!!!!
Re: East Texas C. horridus
Thanks for all the kind comments, folks. It was really a lucky find and I'd been in the area a lot hoping to come across one.
I've since done more research and narrowed down some areas that I think are going to produce better results, but I'm wondering if I can draw from some of y'all's experience here.
I don't have a lot of areas I think I can legally hike for this species (at least not where I think I'm going to actually have good chance to run into one) so I'm mostly set to looking on roads. From my one experience, this guy was basking on the road when I came across him at 8pm sharp. At what time of day do you see the most activity from this species? I would assume night time, but I'd hope a little bit earlier evening would be possible, as this is better for photographs. And as far as at night, how late have you seen them active?
Thanks again fellow herpers,
Kyle
I've since done more research and narrowed down some areas that I think are going to produce better results, but I'm wondering if I can draw from some of y'all's experience here.
I don't have a lot of areas I think I can legally hike for this species (at least not where I think I'm going to actually have good chance to run into one) so I'm mostly set to looking on roads. From my one experience, this guy was basking on the road when I came across him at 8pm sharp. At what time of day do you see the most activity from this species? I would assume night time, but I'd hope a little bit earlier evening would be possible, as this is better for photographs. And as far as at night, how late have you seen them active?
Thanks again fellow herpers,
Kyle
Re: East Texas C. horridus
Just my experience further east (east of the Pearl) - late afternoon (say 4 PM) onward. Not very late either - maybe wrap it up around 11. A very civilized target, hours-wise. Also, one I have not found to appreciate cooler temps, or rain. Just my experience, others may dissent.
Cheers,
Jimi
Cheers,
Jimi
Re: East Texas C. horridus
Gorgeous Timber! Nice find