Took a walk in So Cal and...
 

Took a hike yesterday in the arroyo near my home here in The OC and came across this nice little San Diego gopher. Only bit me once - not too bad. Good colors, but a little thin. I thought about taking him home and fattening him up, but decided against and just let him go.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1312260881

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/...oyogopher2.jpg

Kevin

Cool to see anything moving in August. Ever see kingsnakes down there?

Ross - Yes, I have seen many brown/yellow california Kings in my 'hood. They are one of the more common varieties in this area, along with gophers and red diamondbacks.

Kevin

That's pretty neat. No Red Diamonds in my area but I've found plenty in Riverside Co. Continue posting when you find something. I'm always interested in seeing what's in your area. :thumbsup:

http://www.herpwiki.com/photo/857-la...alus_ruber.jpg

Ross - do you do much snake hunting in LA?

Not any more but I did for about 5 years. All I looked for were kingsnakes but I found a few other species as well. Its a tough place to herp because of the limited amount of habitat left. I set up a few boardlines and found a few boardlines. Some of those sites have been developed, some cleaned up, and one area was taken over by mustard plants. I mean really thick mustard. I found a really rare type of Newport called a scrambled banded morph that came out in Brian Hubbs book on kingsnakes. 2006 was my best year, it was also my first. I injured my knee, which pretty much stopped me. Its slowly getting better though. Maybe next year I'll try it again but there are not many places left.