Strange creature

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drm
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Strange creature

Post by drm » April 8th, 2022, 5:49 pm

This was near the lower Badger Creek trailhead. Looked like an 18" slug, and about as active as one. I thought of a snake that had just shed it's skin - but I think the new skin still has scales? A skinned snake? I eventually nudged it off the trail with my trekking pole - it barely responded.
20220407_103015.jpg

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BurnsideBob
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Re: Strange creature

Post by BurnsideBob » April 8th, 2022, 6:56 pm

Rubber Boa https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubber_boa

I've seen the grey colored version in Northern California. They do, indeed, feel rubbery.

Burnside
I keep making protein shakes but they always turn out like margaritas.

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retired jerry
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Re: Strange creature

Post by retired jerry » April 9th, 2022, 6:19 am

maybe it was just cold, warming on the trail in the sun. When it warms up it will be more active. If some other creature doesn't eat it first.

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drm
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Re: Strange creature

Post by drm » April 9th, 2022, 12:38 pm

That's definitely it - a rubber boa. And I am sure it was warming in the sun. But I have seen other snakes warming in the sun and they react much more quickly to being nudged.

Stevewoods
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Re: Strange creature

Post by Stevewoods » April 27th, 2023, 2:36 pm

Rubber boas are sort of rare-ish, or so an OSU prof told me, so good you got it out of harms way. I have a fair number at my place and protect them best I can...

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