A Western Rattlesnake on the trail to Buck Gulch Falls near Novato, CA. The venom in rattlesnake bites can be deadly, so it’s advised to keep a respectful distance from them. Taken on 4/5/26

A Western Rattlesnake giving a blep on the trail to Buck Gulch Falls near Novato, CA. I was using a telephoto lens on this shot. Absolutely no way I was getting within striking range of this very dangerous danger noodle. Taken on 4/5/2026

Thankfully, we were warned that a rattlesnake was spotted on the trail a few minutes before we saw this bad boy, but rattlers are impressive even if you know they’re there. It did shake the rattle, but never snapped at us. #snakes #ExtremeDangerNoodle #blep #herps