Wild California Rattlesnake near Yuba River State Park, CA

[strandwolf]

That lad or lass may be about to hibernate down in that outcropping. Rattlesnakes are fairly common in the Sierra foothills, but "lie low" unless hunting their rodent prey, and even then they just station themselves in waiting, along an animal trail. They have their enemies they must avoid to survive, despite their venom weaponry.

[kingfrat78]

@strandwolf , thanks very much for your comment!!