Gary Valle's Photography on the Run
Images taken on trail runs, and other adventures, in the Open Space and Wilderness areas of California, and beyond. All content, including photography, is Copyright © 2006-2008 Gary Valle. All Rights Reserved.
# Tuesday, July 22, 2008
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Red coachwhip snake (Masticophis flagellum piceus) on the Chumash Trail, near Simi Valley, California.

Encountered this red coachwhip/racer (Masticophis flagellum piceus) as I was running down the Chumash Trail today. It was a long snake -- at least 5'.

In June 2005, I found a California striped racer (Masticophis lateralis lateralis) on the Chumash Trail that appeared to have suffered some sort of fatal trauma. It was a much smaller snake than the red racer.

Note: There was a handwritten notice posted at the Chumash trailhead warning of a mountain lion sighting on July 18, 2008. I haven't been able to obtain any additional details.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008 4:06:58 PM (Pacific Daylight Time, UTC-07:00)  #