Favoritos de naturalist5716

Uploaded by Thomas Mesaglio (@thebeachcomber) with Steve's permission. All initial identifications made by Thomas Mesaglio.

Note that the date of observation is approximate. Location provided by Steve as "inside and along the cliffs of Jervis Bay".

PLEASE READ FOR ID.
Just killed by Coyote. The coyote was joined by its juvenile pup and then the male. She chased the male away to have the meal to herself and let the juvenile watch.

Edit: Note I saw species in same area three years ago: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/54302918

This is not a gopher snake, contrary to what I IDed it as to start. I thought it was a weird "morph" but due to range; it was the only species that made sense. Zoom in and look closely; it does not have the correct barred markings. ID credit goes to herpetologist Robert Hanson. He also IDs it as female. This is a Sierra Gartersnake - Thamnophis couchii https://californiaherps.com/snakes/pages/t.couchii.html. Though east of its range it is possible that it came here via humans either released after tiring of it or by accident via produce box from the orchards in Tehachapi area or camping gear from someone camping at Brite Lake. It was caught in habitat where it would thrive due to lakes filled with fish and toads and plenty of tall grass, cattails, and other plants for mice and the snake to hide in.