Ran across this guy while hiking yesterday.

[thepro8]

I've been doing a bit of hiking up in the santa cruz mountains, most often the castle rock trials. This time I came across a scary little surprise. is this pretty common out here?

Is it legal to open carry out there? I'd like to take a .22 with some bird shot in case i run across one of these again and get into some trouble.

[QuarterBoreGunner]

Whoa. I didn't know we had rattlers in the Santa Cruz mountains... he looks pretty good sized too.

[thepro8]

He was just under 2'. Being new to Cali I didn't know it either, but i have been keeping an eye out.

[PatriotnMore]

I believe the hatching begins in the latter part of April/beginning of May, so you are more likely to see rattlers for the next few months after the hatching's.

[ZX-10R]

Up in NorCal where I live in the East Bay, we have rattler warnings behind my house.

[Timberwolf]

Welcome to California - we've been a bit snakeier this year than normal. Looks like a N. Pacific - skin it and put it in the skillet.

[cryoguy]

Those are good eatin too. And that rattle would make for a good keychain!

[thepro8]

Those are good eatin too. And that rattle would make for a good keychain!

lol yeah, but can i open carry in a state part in norther cal and shoot one if i need to?

[Untamed1972]

lol yeah, but can i open carry in a state part in norther cal and shoot one if i need to?

Gun in state parks are a NO GO! I also believe the killing of any wildlife in a state park is also a no go unless perhaps it's legal hunting. Not sure on the hunting thing, but my dad worked for the state parks for years and taking, killing, damaging wildlife and vegetation in a state park is a big no no.

[POLICESTATE]

California has rattlesnakes all over it, except in the highest elevations where it's just too cold, think the peak of Mt Whitney. Otherwise expect that there could be a rattlesnake anywhere, anytime.

The only variance will be the species, for instance, in So Cal you've got lots of Red Diamondbacks, Western Diamondbacks, Mojaves, some Sidewinders, Pacific Rattlesnakes and several others IIRC. Up here in Nor Cal you'll see ones like that, I believe a Pacific Northwestern Rattlesnake?

Wear boots, don't go stomping through bushes and be careful picking up rocks. And forget about carrying a loaded firearm just about anywhere in the hills around the Bay Area/Santa Cruz, more or less everything is some sort of preserve or such and firearms are banned.

[sideshowhr]

butter, garlic, dash of salt and pepper. GTG.

[thepro8]

Wear boots, don't go stomping through bushes and be careful picking up rocks. And forget about carrying a loaded firearm just about anywhere in the hills around the Bay Area/Santa Cruz, more or less everything is some sort of preserve or such and firearms are banned.

Good tips. i guess i'll just have to be careful and maybe look into a snake bite kit.

[Timberwolf]

Forget carrying a firearm; just get in the habit a carrying a walkin staff. They're good for moving the offensive reptile out of the way or if it gets grumpy a good whack or two to the head will cure the problem. They are a bit fragile and a couple of whacks normally dispenses of the problem.

[Honeydos]

Timberwolf has it right. You should also get in the habit of whomping the ground with the walking stick as you walk a trail. The vibrations will give the rattler extra time to move before you get there. They generally are only aggressive when surprised. By the photo you took it looks as though that one is trying to get away. Don't get in it's way and you should be fine, but just in case, be ready to deal with it if you have to. If it coils, STAY BACK! This is when they are ready to strike. Enjoy your hiking. I've hiked all over this state and have never had a problem encounter with any snake that didn't have legs.

[ilikeguns]

I grew up around the nor cal hills. I and my brother almost stepped on rattlers on numerous occasions as kids. No need for a gun though. THey are pretty easily dispatched with a stick and shovel. remove the head and bury it. Hell, I did it as a 13 year old kid, it shouldn't be an issue for any competent adult.