Faux Rattler

A good-size Gopher Snake

We had a little surprise this morning when we came upon a Gopher Snake in the middle of the trail on the west side of Tortugas Mountain.  It did a convincing impression of a rattler, but we could tell right away it wasn't.  Notice the narrow head and tapered tail (sans rattle).  It was a typical slow-moving Gopher Snake, a little over three-feet long.  Beautiful creature!  

Tortugas (left) and the Organ Mountains

Westminster Dog Show material

Long, lonesome dirt road

Breakdown

Bishop's Cap (left) and the Franklin Mts. near El Paso