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Post by rockjunquie on Jul 14, 2018 5:16:13 GMT -5
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Post by Peruano on Jul 14, 2018 7:22:15 GMT -5
To my knowledge they are no faster, no more toxic, and no more dangerous than any other rattlesnake. True they are small, they are difficult to find, but as you can see, easy to see against some backgrounds and not against others. They are secretive and if I'm not mistaken are primarily lizard eaters. Don't loose any sleep thinking about them.
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Post by MsAli on Jul 14, 2018 10:57:12 GMT -5
She is a beauty!
The article is a little over the top Not much different from other rattlers, maybe a tad more shy.
yes, they eat primarily small lizards.
She looks bigger than they normally are or maybe it's just the angle of the photo
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Post by rockjunquie on Jul 14, 2018 11:18:19 GMT -5
She is a beauty! The article is a little over the top Not much different from other rattlers, maybe a tad more shy. yes, they eat primarily small lizards. She looks bigger than they normally are or maybe it's just the angle of the photo The article said this one was big for it's type.
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Post by MsAli on Jul 14, 2018 11:44:16 GMT -5
I did read that, makes me wonder why. Adaptation? Or maybe a cross?
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Post by rockjunquie on Jul 14, 2018 12:56:55 GMT -5
I did read that, makes me wonder why. Adaptation? Or maybe a cross? Ample food source?
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Post by aDave on Jul 14, 2018 13:07:59 GMT -5
I did read that, makes me wonder why. Adaptation? Or maybe a cross? I am going to go out on a limb and say that I think it's average size and it's simply the nature of the photo that makes it look bigger. I think the mention in the article about it appearing larger is merely the opinion of the reporter.. I am going to guess that the brick is no longer than 12 inches, and it could be as small as 8. If it's 12, with the snake somewhat folded in half, that would put it around two feet in length. Certainly not scientific, but that brick is the only thing in the photo to use as a scale. Then again, it's just a wild ass guess. It is a pretty snake, nonetheless, and I HATE snakes.
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Post by orrum on Jul 14, 2018 17:55:50 GMT -5
Sounds a lot like our pink pygmy rattlesnakes hete in NC.
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NRG
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,687
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Post by NRG on Jul 18, 2018 15:52:50 GMT -5
I did read that, makes me wonder why. Adaptation? Or maybe a cross? Captive snakes always get bigger than their wild counterparts. And just like humans, some are bigger than others. The ancestors of that specimen likely came from New Mexico. Banded Rock Rattlesnakes are common there in many mountain habitats. lots color and pattern diversity there. Google Crotalus klauberi to learn more.
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NRG
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,687
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Post by NRG on Jul 18, 2018 15:54:24 GMT -5
I did read that, makes me wonder why. Adaptation? Or maybe a cross? I am going to go out on a limb and say that I think it's average size and it's simply the nature of the photo that makes it look bigger. I think the mention in the article about it appearing larger is merely the opinion of the reporter.. I am going to guess that the brick is no longer than 12 inches, and it could be as small as 8. If it's 12, with the snake somewhat folded in half, that would put it around two feet in length. Certainly not scientific, but that brick is the only thing in the photo to use as a scale. Then again, it's just a wild ass guess. It is a pretty snake, nonetheless, and I HATE snakes. That brick is 4" wide. That is a 24" snake all day long.
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NRG
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,687
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Post by NRG on Jul 18, 2018 15:56:11 GMT -5
To my knowledge they are no faster, no more toxic, and no more dangerous than any other rattlesnake. True they are small, they are difficult to find, but as you can see, easy to see against some backgrounds and not against others. They are secretive and if I'm not mistaken are primarily lizard eaters. Don't loose any sleep thinking about them. As always, spot on! Well done amigo.
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Post by MsAli on Jul 18, 2018 16:36:05 GMT -5
I did read that, makes me wonder why. Adaptation? Or maybe a cross? Captive snakes always get bigger than their wild counterparts. And just like humans, some are bigger than others. The ancestors of that specimen likely came from New Mexico. Banded Rock Rattlesnakes are common there in many mountain habitats. lots color and pattern diversity there. Google Crotalus klauberi to learn more. Agree completely, which is why so many people end up releasing them. So you are thinking it is a captive one that they set up for a photo?
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Post by aDave on Jul 18, 2018 19:22:45 GMT -5
I am going to go out on a limb and say that I think it's average size and it's simply the nature of the photo that makes it look bigger. I think the mention in the article about it appearing larger is merely the opinion of the reporter.. I am going to guess that the brick is no longer than 12 inches, and it could be as small as 8. If it's 12, with the snake somewhat folded in half, that would put it around two feet in length. Certainly not scientific, but that brick is the only thing in the photo to use as a scale. Then again, it's just a wild ass guess. It is a pretty snake, nonetheless, and I HATE snakes. That brick is 4" wide. That is a 24" snake all day long. I was waiting for you to jump in, and you only confirmed my (non-scientific) perception. Thanks for the validation.
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,487
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Post by Sabre52 on Jul 18, 2018 22:31:08 GMT -5
Awesome snake. I've seen a rock rattler before but never that color variety. In my travels, I've never stumbled across many of those little reclusive types.....Mel
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NRG
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,687
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Post by NRG on Jul 19, 2018 18:44:13 GMT -5
Captive snakes always get bigger than their wild counterparts. And just like humans, some are bigger than others. The ancestors of that specimen likely came from New Mexico. Banded Rock Rattlesnakes are common there in many mountain habitats. lots color and pattern diversity there. Google Crotalus klauberi to learn more. Agree completely, which is why so many people end up releasing them. So you are thinking it is a captive one that they set up for a photo? Not sure what we agree on or the statement about "so many people releasing them". That is definitely a set up image. That snake is worth $500 or more. Nobody is releasing it anywhere. It's probably way out of range anyways. Mel, are their any pine forests on the Rio grande rockhounding ranches? Texas has "Mottled Rock Rattlers". Crotalus lepidus and they are super common in Texas, at least within suitable habitat. Sabre52
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Post by MsAli on Jul 19, 2018 20:34:37 GMT -5
Agree completely, which is why so many people end up releasing them. So you are thinking it is a captive one that they set up for a photo? Not sure what we agree on or the statement about "so many people releasing them". That is definitely a set up image. That snake is worth $500 or more. Nobody is releasing it anywhere. It's probably way out of range anyways. Mel, are their any pine forests on the Rio grande rockhounding ranches? Texas has "Mottled Rock Rattlers. Crotalus lepidus and they are super common in Texas, at least within suitable habitat. Sabre52 People buy "pets", they get bigger and or more dangerous than what they thought they would , and release them. Happens way more often than anyone would think. My first thought when seeing this photo was that is was a setup. But then i would think it wouldnt make much sense for a park ranger to do that and possibly risk less visitors to the park. People tend to freak out over stuff like that.
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Post by aDave on Jul 19, 2018 21:12:23 GMT -5
My first thought when seeing this photo was that is was a setup. But then i would think it wouldnt make much sense for a park ranger to do that and possibly risk less visitors to the park. People tend to freak out over stuff like that. Not a setup for the reasons you speak to. The snake wouldn't do well with "sit" or "stay" commands.
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NRG
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,687
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Post by NRG on Jul 19, 2018 21:34:33 GMT -5
Not sure what we agree on or the statement about "so many people releasing them". That is definitely a set up image. That snake is worth $500 or more. Nobody is releasing it anywhere. It's probably way out of range anyways. Mel, are their any pine forests on the Rio grande rockhounding ranches? Texas has "Mottled Rock Rattlers. Crotalus lepidus and they are super common in Texas, at least within suitable habitat. Sabre52 People buy "pets", they get bigger and or more dangerous than what they thought they would , and release them. Happens way more often than anyone would think. My first thought when seeing this photo was that is was a setup. But then i would think it wouldnt make much sense for a park ranger to do that and possibly risk less visitors to the park. People tend to freak out over stuff like that. 30 years of pet trade experience here. 12 years reptile store owner. The actual number of released pets is quite low and way oversold by the media. A 2' rattlesnake is no more dangerous than a 12' python. And a lot easier to manage. The python may (likely not) get released and will die the first winter in most of the nation. The rattlesnake will only be owned by knowledgeable specialists that are willing to spend big money for such a fine specimen. Release of reptile pets is something we should not worry much about. Escapes and releases will almost all perish the first winter if not sooner. That coupled with high cost of many specimens mean we have little to worry about. **Disclaimer: Unless you live in Florida, lol
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Post by MsAli on Jul 19, 2018 23:04:28 GMT -5
My first thought when seeing this photo was that is was a setup. But then i would think it wouldnt make much sense for a park ranger to do that and possibly risk less visitors to the park. People tend to freak out over stuff like that. Not a setup for the reasons you speak to. The snake wouldn't do well with "sit" or "stay" commands. You always make me laugh
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Post by aDave on Jul 20, 2018 12:28:55 GMT -5
Not a setup for the reasons you speak to. The snake wouldn't do well with "sit" or "stay" commands. You always make me laugh You're a good sport.
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