I encountered a snake on my run this evening. I prefer trail running to streets when I am out for the cardio or for training, so I have encountered snakes, skunks, coyotes, and other wildlife. Tonight I was cruising along, daydreaming with my iPod in my ears when the corner of my eye caught glimpse of a snake. Being the naturally curious type, I pulled up, turned around, and observed. S/he was about 20 inches, "fat" in the middle, front six inches coiled, and the rest of the body snake straight. Perhaps a gopher snake, I thought. I looked for a while, it never moved. Finally, I went to pick it up....WITH A LONG STICK....do you think I am stupid? (Don't answer that!) It immediately darted for the grass, with that rattling sound warning me not to come after it. I had encountered a Northern Pacific Rattlesnake or a Crotalus Oreganus Oreganus: So, you trail runners...watch where you are going. Be safe.
How do I know? It is described on CaliforniaHerps.com. Look there for range, habitat, behavior.
Click image to enlarge.