Scouted SGL 183...all black rattlesnake??

[SkullBone]

Today I had the chance to check out sgl 183 in Pike county, across rt6 from the rifle range by Decker pond. I walked the trail until I came to the border of the Tanglwood ski area development then turned around. On the way back I saw what I at first thought was some kind of charred branch and wondered for a second how I missed seeing it on my way up. Then it moved from the center of the trail to the very edge of the trail. It was a snake that was 4-5 feet long, fat as a man's wrist and was jet black. I have seen rattlesnakes before but none black. I've heard a guy once talk of a black snake that wasn't poisonous, but I myself have never seen one. As it set on the side of the trail, I decided to throw a small rock at it, just to get it further off the trail(after all it was a big snake,rumored to be harmless or not). Then it coiled up and began rattling vigorously. It stopped after about ten seconds. I tried throwing another rock at it to try and scare it off, again more rattling. I took the overland route around it and walk the rest of the way down the trail with eyes WIDE OPEN. I have never seen a black rattlesnake before. Has anyone here ever seen one on their outdoor experiences?

[riverpirate]

black rat snakes or even king snakes will imitate a rattlesnake when threatened. they vibrate their tails in the leaves and it sounds just the same.

[Mtbkski]

I have seen rattlesnakes that are so dark that they appear to be black. They aren't a shiney black. But a deep dark black. If it was shiney, I'ld go with the poster above. If it was really dark black, yeah, it could have been a rattelsnake.

[SkullBone]

Thanks for that info. I did a search for info on the black rat snake and it looks like that was it. I have to say this snake did an excellent job of imitating a rattlesnake. I can't beleive in all my years in the woods that I have never seen one of these. Thanks riverpirate.

[SkullBone]

Mtbkski, It was a a dull black, as I said it looked like a charred branch and I am sure I saw it's tail up. I was only about 15 feet away after I got startled and backed off. I did think it was odd that the rattles appeared to be small, and I didn't read anything about the rat snake having a rattler looking tail. This area is supposedly known for rattlers. I knew I should have brought my camera. Maybe next time I will cautiously investigate more, if I see one again. Thanks guys.

[Mtbkski]

From this website.
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/FORESTRY...tlesnakes.aspx

Timber Rattlesnake - Life History

Scientific Name: Crotalus horridus
Color Phases: yellow (light phase), black (dark phase)
Mating Season: primarily July and August
Birthing: litter of 8-12 in late August through mid-September
Maturity: 5-7 years
Longevity: 30+ years
Mortality Rate: 10-12% annual mortality in adults, possibly higher for immature snakes

[Chazman321]

Whatever it was, wouldn't matter to me... I'd run... lol I hate snakes, they give me the creeps... lol

-Chaz

[bull2969]

Whatever it was, wouldn't matter to me... I'd run... lol I hate snakes, they give me the creeps... lol

-Chaz

I agree, I could only hope i could out run you. . .

[Mtbkski]

Whatever it was, wouldn't matter to me... I'd run... lol I hate snakes, they give me the creeps... lol

-Chaz

Major snake phobia here. One reason I know as much about the b*st*rds as I do.

Interesting point. The largest known Rattelsnake could only strike a distance of 3 feet. Course, if I was anywhere near that close, I would be crapping my pants.

That, and there are no deaths due to rattlesnake bite recorded in PA. You will get sick, and wish you were dead. But you should survive a bite if you ever got one. Well, I may survive it, if I didn't go into a full blown cardiac arrest from just seeing the thing.

I have only seen three rattlesnakes in the wild in my life, and that was enough for me. Gives me chills just writting this. I hate snakes.

[Chazman321]

It's that whole moves without limbs thing... At least worms have little hooks on their body to grasp soil, snakes just use their scales... lol CREEPY... The whole skin shedding thing also freaks me out. It may only be able to strike 3 feet, but I could shoot it farther than that if I wouldn't be so busy running... I've had a few run-ins with timber rattlers at McConnels Mill State Park, each time I ran like a b***h... lol

-Chaz