Fat rattlesnake seen in NE Oregon. Photo by John Howard
There is nothing quite like the warning buzz or slither of a nearby rattlesnake to get the heart racing. In my backcountry travels throughout Eastern Oregon I have had a number of snake encounters, and they never failed to get my full attention! Like a ground-shaking thunderstorm, fantastic sunset, or the fleeting glimpse of a bear or bobcat in the wild, a rattlesnake encounter is the spicy kind of experience that stands out and sets the day apart.
Two species of rattlesnakes make their home in Oregon. The Great Basin rattlesnake (crotalus lutosus) lives in the arid southeastern quarter of the state, confined mostly to the sage and rimrock environment of Lake, Harney and Malheur counties. The second more common and widespread species is the Pacific rattlesnake (crotalus oreganus), an adaptive creature found in river bottoms, grasslands, rocky areas, timberlands and as high as 8,000 feet in the Eastern Oregon ranges.
We have seen Pacific rattlers as close to home as the Columbia River Gorge and as far away as the (aptly named) Snake River on far eastern border of the state. They have surprised us near camp beside the Deschutes, John Day and Grande Ronde Rivers. The Great Basin variety has buzzed us while hiking in the Pueblo Mountains and in the distant Owyhee River canyon. The largest we have seen was perhaps four feet long; the smallest was a youngster, hardly as thick as my thumb and no more than a foot in length.
Count yourself lucky to see a rattler; they are legendary and beautiful creatures that have a rightful niche in the high desert ecosystem. Like the wonderful scent of sage, the clatter of bighorn hooves on a scree slope, and the scream of an eagle riding thermals over the rimrock--to see a rattlesnake is a natural gift from Eastern Oregon. It is a reminder that, Toto, I don't think we're in Beaverton any more. And it makes a good story when you get back home.
Comments
Came across a rattler on a hike between Joseph & Imnaha this past weekend. It had eight rattles. Was in strike position and thankfully the two labs let well enough alone. Question: This snake was totally a sand color with no dark markings on the body. What type/age rattler might this be?
I'm no snake expert (herpetologist) Bob, but do know that rattlesnakes vary in color according to their habitat. We once saw a rattler in the Grand Canyon that was coral pink. The rattlers we've seen in Oregon very on color too, and I believe there are two species that reside in the state. I always feel lucky to see them. A rattler is a "gentleman" because it gives a warning. There are other pit vipers that are not so considerate.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!