Rattlesnakes in Tehipite Valley

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BrianF
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Re: Rattlesnakes in Tehipite Valley

Post by BrianF »

Speaking of Aquatic and getting back to the topic of Rattlesnakes (but not in Tehipite) a few years ago I was almost swimming with a Rattlesnake here in the Los Padres. I was at one of my favorite secret backcountry swimming holes that has a cliff down to the water on one side,. After swimming and cooling off in the water for about 15 minutes I swam across towards the cliff and when about 5 feet from the cliff I saw a 3' rattlesnake half out of the water on a small ledge. The only way he could have gotten there was by swimming and the ledge wasn't big enough for it to get all the way out of the water, so I imagine it was a bit nervous with me in the water- the entire pool was only about 15' by 15'. I don't know if I scared it into the water with my approach or if it was washed down from above or what. Needless to say I wasn't anxious to panic it into joining me for a swim, so I left the water and after drying in the sun, left it to its own devices
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mjh
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Re: Rattlesnakes in Tehipite Valley

Post by mjh »

Been to Tehipite 4X....two rattlers per visit was the norm. The 1st was the worst. Was jumping from boulder to boulder down by the water (below the miner's cabin) -- was looking for pools that might contain trout...very nearly jumped on a very large spicimen, camouflaged by the granite, sleeping in the afternoon sun. Found a piece of driftwood (baseball bat size) and smashed his head in. 13 rattles -- fat four footer. I suddenly lost interest in fishing, made a u-turn back to camp. Heard they travelled in pairs -- yes, there was another one, just where I had come from. A granite stone finished him off. Back in camp an hour or so later -- and still kind of "rattled" (get it?!) a patrolling park ranger came through. Very nice guy... asked about fishing, etc. Then he asked if I had seen any rattlers. I proudly announced that I had killed two in the last hour. He cringed and asked if they were threatening my life in any way. I told him I nearly jumped on one, and then I would have been in deep yogurt. He shook his head and reminded me that they are the residents -- and I was the guest. Hmmmmmmmm. Something to think about. Knees gone for any more Tehipite trips -- but I am glad I had the opportunity to visit this special place! mark
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rlown
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Re: Rattlesnakes in Tehipite Valley

Post by rlown »

Apparently, snakes can be taken under a fishing license, but there are regs for various areas. If you just killed them because they were there, and kept the rattle, that might qualify under wanton waste if you didn't harvest the meat. They're probably as valuable as any other creature out there.

And welcome to the HST, Mark!

Russ
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lostcoyote
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Re: Rattlesnakes in Tehipite Valley

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"He shook his head and reminded me that they are the residents -- and I was the guest."

he is right.
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Fly Guy Dave
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Re: Rattlesnakes in Tehipite Valley

Post by Fly Guy Dave »

I like seeing 'em too, but I think its a bit more "neighborly" if they lets us know they're around first. That dry rattling sound certainly gives one a jolt of adrenaline. I've had the meat before too, and its quite good. Tastes a lot like a pork chop (not chicken).

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jessegooddog
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Re: Rattlesnakes in Tehipite Valley

Post by jessegooddog »

I really cringed reading about your kills, so glad you ran into a ranger who reminded you that you are the guest. I have only seen one in the sierra, near Buckeye Canyon; we stopped our car and gently moved him off the road with a long stick. I lived in the Santa Monica Mountains for over 30 years, I can not count the number I saw, including right on my steps. I managed to pick up a few with a shovel or rake and move them to a more wild area, only because of my dog. I was one of the crazy snake ladies who would stop traffic for a gopher snake on the road and bring him home to my garden. Sadly, many are also killed because of their similar coloring by those who are just plain ignorant about snakes. Sorry if I am getting off topic but I really like snakes!!
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ManOfTooManySports
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Re: Rattlesnakes in Tehipite Valley

Post by ManOfTooManySports »

I've run into many, many rattlers in the San Gabriels. In the Sierra, mostly in Yosemite, especially on the Mist trail. We also had fellow travelers tell us of sightings in Paradise Valley, and had one rattle at us there.

I'm pretty snake friendly, and will let any one of them be. If I saw a rattler in my backyard, I wouldn't feel that way. But I did find a kingsnake on the deck a few nights ago. I was alerted to its presence by the scurrying of many a rodent hitting the road.
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madeintahoe
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Re: Rattlesnakes in Tehipite Valley

Post by madeintahoe »

" I proudly announced that I had killed two in the last hour."

To poster MJH.....How can you be proud?
I am sorry..but I will never understand how some people that go deep into the wilderness and than kill the native wildlife!! What a horrible story to read this....made me sick when I read what you did. We are also in their home and we need to respect that.

How can you love such wild beautiful places..yet kill the wildlife?
I do not understand this mindset at all! Sad that some do not appreciate the beauty of wildlife!
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richlong8
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Re: Rattlesnakes in Tehipite Valley

Post by richlong8 »

I have never killed a rattlesnake, most can be avoided, but I don't think it is evil to do so. I would not hesitate to kill a mountain lion in the wild if my life was threatened, if I was carrying the means at the time. The same goes for wolves- which are a problem in states like Montana and Wyoming. I am very tolerant of those who don't share my viewpoint on this matter though I don't understand their mindset. This mindset/worldview, that people are more important than animals, used to be the predominate viewpoint in this country until recent generations. I have found that many are very intolerant and hateful of those who express the opinion that they are willing to kill an animal, sometimes even wishing death on those who would dare to hunt or kill any type of animals. Ironic, don't you think!
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Re: Rattlesnakes in Tehipite Valley

Post by Cloudy »

I'm waiting for those folks to try to reintroduce the Grizzly to California...
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