Identificaciones de damien

Holy Jim Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Orange County. During one of our treks to the falls, we came across this near dead (someone had tried to decapitate it) rattlesnake at the foot of an interpretive sign near the official trailhead.

We grabbed a stick and moved it off-trail.

Read our write-up at: http://www.greeneadventures.com/2011/02/07/holy-jim-falls-one-of-orange-countys-best-known-hikes/

Holy Jim Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Orange County. During one of our treks to the falls, we came across this near dead (someone had tried to decapitate it) rattlesnake at the foot of an interpretive sign near the official trailhead.

We grabbed a stick and moved it off-trail.

Read our write-up at: http://www.greeneadventures.com/2011/02/07/holy-jim-falls-one-of-orange-countys-best-known-hikes/

This wild fast moving snake was about 4 feet long. It had very shiny scales and fled quickly to the bushes when I approached. Because the white markings were only present close to the jaw and it had glossy scales I think it is a northern black racer, though it also could have been an eastern rat snake.

Made in San Jose, California.

Size ~ 25 - 30 cm.

Please help to identify species.

Other view of head on www.flickr.com/photos/eugenezelenko/4534883102/