Here is what my son had to say about the snake in the photo. He is a
biologist specializing in reptiles.
-----Original Message-----
From:
az-geocaching-bounces@listserv.azgeocaching.com [mailto:az-geocaching-
I did not figure out if this was a rattler or a gopher snake, but it
was between 5 and 6 feet long.
We found it enroute to Mica Mountain cache yesterday.
http://img.groundspeak.com/cache/log/335e2933-ba89-45b3-a4ee-d71301dc4056.jp
g
My son's reply>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Based on size and pattern as well as backgroud veg. I am assuming the snake
is fairly large and southwestern. Because of this the only possibilities
are bullsnake or Arizona glossy snake
Gopher snake/bull snake link pay attention to the second picture
http://www.coestatepark.com/gopher_snake.htm
Glossy snake link
http://www.californiaherps.com/snakes/pages/a.e.eburnata.html
based on the pattern i would lean toward bull snake, however Arizona elegans
glossy snake can be difficult to tell from the bull snake the only real way
is the bull snake Pituophis melanoleucus has 4 sub-ocular scales whereas all
other snakes including glossy snakes have 2. The glossy does reach up to 70
inches in length but tends to have a slightly faded appearance whereas the
snake in the picture has a bold characteristic bullsnake pattern. Also the
glossy snake has smooth versus keeled scales whereas the bull or gopher
snake has keeled scales, good luck telling that from the picture.
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