East Texas C. horridus

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Soopaman
Posts: 924
Joined: March 18th, 2012, 7:34 pm
Location: Houston, Texas

East Texas C. horridus

Post by Soopaman »

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
Image
Crotalus horridus (Timber Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr


Image
Crotalus horridus (Timber Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr

Image
Crotalus horridus (Timber Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr

Image
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.
Image
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
txherper
Posts: 64
Joined: February 25th, 2011, 12:03 pm

Re: East Texas C. horridus

Post by txherper »

That is a beautiful timber, especially in pic #4.
gretzkyrh4
Posts: 661
Joined: June 7th, 2010, 12:17 pm
Location: Baton Rouge, LA

Re: East Texas C. horridus

Post by gretzkyrh4 »

Nice find Kyle!
John Williams
Posts: 104
Joined: June 16th, 2010, 5:50 pm

Re: East Texas C. horridus

Post by John Williams »

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
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keown
Posts: 77
Joined: June 7th, 2010, 2:44 pm
Location: Seguin, Texas U.S.A.
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Re: East Texas C. horridus

Post by keown »

That's a neat find, Kyle. Congratulations!

-Gerald Keown
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USCGHERPIN
Posts: 27
Joined: June 1st, 2012, 8:24 pm
Location: Lake Charles, LA

Re: East Texas C. horridus

Post by USCGHERPIN »

That is next on my life list! Sick find!!!!
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Soopaman
Posts: 924
Joined: March 18th, 2012, 7:34 pm
Location: Houston, Texas

Re: East Texas C. horridus

Post by Soopaman »

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
Jimi
Posts: 1955
Joined: December 3rd, 2010, 12:06 pm

Re: East Texas C. horridus

Post by Jimi »

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
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mbarrett
Posts: 17
Joined: February 20th, 2011, 8:13 pm
Location: Cleburne, Texas

Re: East Texas C. horridus

Post by mbarrett »

Gorgeous Timber! Nice find
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