Rattler mystery on the peak of San Gorgonio

[zippetydude]

Sunday morning at about 8:30 a guy I met on top of San G said he had just seen a rattler in one of the shelters. He seemed straightforward, so I have no reason to doubt his word. I don't know for sure that it was a rattler, but I believe he did see a snake.

Here's the mystery: Rattlers are seldom seen above 10,000'. I am wondering if a different type of snake routinely goes up to higher altitude, or if anyone here has any knowledge of rattlers going up that high. Odd. I can't imagine someone carrying one up there - I suppose it's possible, but it's so cold that I doubt a rattler could overwinter up there. Even on an average day there's very little time where any snake could gain enough body heat to actually hunt. Anyone ever seen snakes that high?

z

[bluerail]

Not me....but I ain't lookin either.

Maybe a rogue snake..you know..like Jaws

C2C yesterday and not ONE single rattler !!! first weekend in awhile that I didn't run into one.

So how you doin buddy ? How are the girls ?

[hvydrt]

I ran into that guy at Dry Lake view (where he was camped a few feet from the trail) I have never seen a snake that high, but there are mice and other small critters at the summit for it to eat.

[Perry]

Maybe if people stop feeding the chipmunks at the summit, then there wouldn't be snakes there.

[Rumpled]

in one of the shelters.

Is there more than one? I'm only aware of the bed and no breakfast that Ellen stayed in to recuperate for a day or two. << Just kidding of course.

[magikwalt]

I believe he was typing about the rock wind shelters on San G not the rock cabin on San J.

[Rumpled]

Caught me walt - I was on the wrong mountain.