Snakes and Railfanning (or anything else!)

[@mikepuccini4932]

Great information Mark! Thanks

[@bobandbarbkozminski1578]

Thanks Mark! Very informative video.

[@railfanbryan7225]

Great advice!

[@jamesclapp6940]

good morning, YOUR voice is almost 100% back congratulations!

[@theronerd]

He's back baby!!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Mickey Mouse has left the house! Thanks guys!

[@samfuller6273]

4 week vacation 😜 coming up! First year for 5! Got one more in July! I'll make a trip up to Tehachapi!

[@samfuller6273]

OH that's my pet snake Reggie!Snakes!,. Why does it have to be SNAKES? Raiders

[@tracyrreed]

Wow, you seem 100% recovered! I'm happy for you!

[@ForbiddenMagic]

Thanks! I was curious about this..

[@aliensojourner]

Thank you

[@tomr9509]

This is one of the reasons that I always "like" a video that people take the time to film and post. I very much appreciate the time that folks take to do this, and as a modeler, seeing how different cars and engines weather to make them more realistic looking. Your videos Mark help me understand how things operate, and the different components (like hot box detectors) along the tracks that add interest to a model railroad.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you for the kind words! I've had a couple of modelers ask for photographs of specific places, locomotives and rolling stock to assist in their layouts. If you ever want something like that, let me know and I'll see what I can do!

[@navigator902]

OUR relationship is working, and it's all from heroic wonders of your's Mark ... thanks for helping us wonder in places we use to love to see out there, Retired seventy year old engineer operator.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Thank you for the kind words and stay tuned! Much more to come!

[@timothyxv171mmmpertinentgamer]

Yes Very Interesting Thanks Mark so many times learning new about trains on this Video love rail fans and more Snakes are smart just like us that's Kool also Delightful to see little Beautiful man Cave Star track, 3 stooges Awesome some kind Rock band tuke that photo at airport or Maybe Friends Ofcourse so yeah much fun.

[@kyleftw1679]

Thanks for the information.👍

[@williamkosmider3249]

Always enjoy your video presentations, thanks Mark.

[@choochoo640]

Constantly learning from you thank you😀👍

[@briankemp5206]

Great tips about snakes.

[@charlietrece7958]

As a runner I have my share of trail runs and snakes are an ever present creature in those summer months. You gotta be alert when running during that season to avoid unpleasant encounters. They like to cross the trails in the early morning hours or late afternoons so run with wide open eyes and respect their habitat. I find this information spot on and I really appreciate it. Thank you Mark.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Good advice for runners, cyclers and hikers! Thanks for sharing and for checking it out!

[@W7DSY]

True fact: Most people who are bitten by rattlesnakes are males under 30 years old who have been drinking. I think you can figure out why.

[@seankolker]

My first snake on the railroad, Montana in 2002…..big ole fat prairie rattler. He went his way I stood in aww as he slithered over double track have CWR and concrete ties into the grass…. Amazing!!

[@railfanbryan7225]

Rowen is one of my favorite spots to railfan!

[@jackgreen412]

Most excellent presentation!

[@malcolmmarzo2461]

Good information. Especially for city people who don't have experience in the wild. Another thing to do when driving in the outback is to remember to look down when you stop and step out. Once I looked down while getting out to see a rattler right under my foot. I always look down before stepping out to this day : -)

[@dmorgan28]

Mark I enjoyed your video. I think it was very well said. 👍👍👍❤️

[@ritaloy8338]

Here are the Five Rattlesnakes you are most likely to find while Rail Fanning in Southern California. This list is from worst to least likely to cause you Bodley harm. The Mojave Green Rattlesnake is found mainly in the Deserts of Southern California has a neurotoxin and a hemotoxin venom this is one of the worse snakes to be bit by. The Southern Pacific Rattlesnake is the rattlesnake that bites the most people in California and is the snake you are most apt to run into along most while rail fanning in Cajon Pass, Tehachapi Pass, Soledad Pass, San Joaquin Valley and most places West of the Sierra Nevada. Western Diamond Back Rattlesnake is found mainly near the Colorado River. The Red Diamond Back Rattlesnake is found in places in Southern California where Rail Fans may congregate. The Rattlesnake you are least to find unless you are following The Yuma Sub East of Indio is the Sidewinder Rattlesnake as this snake prefers sand dunes.

[@SNAFU_73]

I have the same agreement with snakes...I don't bother them and they don't bother me LOL. Living in Oklahoma we have a wide variety of them to be aware of.

[@kens.3729]

Very Interesting Update on the DO’s and DONT’s in areas where snakes 🐍 like to hang out. Thx!👍

[@curtiscroulet8715]

I like snakes. I was once a herpetologist.

[@christopherortego1647]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@JF-lt5zc]

Another critter to be on the look out in SoCal are scorpions. Most don't have deadly venom but allergic reactions are possible. They like similar habitats to snakes; rocks, shady areas, etc. If you leave kit out for an extended period, it is always a good idea to shake things out before regular handling.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Not to mention their sting is quite painful!

[@JF-lt5zc]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Wouldn't know! Came plenty close to them lots of times in my youth but never aggravated one enough to get it to sting thankfully!

[@anazolnierczyk5459]

Tall workboots are great. Flip flops not so much.

[@patchescessna7348]

You just did a lot of good.... Thxs

[@ponyhorton4295]

I've handled more snakes and reptiles than I can count, including rattlers. Used to be a member of the Southwestern Herpetologist Society. Doctors in San Bernardino, about 20-some years ago, discovered during treatment of a rancher who'd been bitten by a southern pacific rattler (ironic name), that the venom was BOTH hemotoxic and neurotoxic! Apparently, some rattlers are evolving neurotoxic properties in their venom. Just FYI, rattlers tend to establish multienerational dens that can be active for many years. They only tend to range no more than a mile or two from home, and if relocated they can die if they become stranded away from home.

[@steveamurray59]

Great points Mark, common sense prevails. Give them space and they normally won't bother you. Here in Australia we have 10 of the worlds Most Dangerous. We share our continent with about 170 species of land snakes, some equipped with venom more toxic than any other snakes in the world. Respect them !

[@Jleed989]

A lot of bull snakes around there too. Also harmless and they keep the rattlers away

[@kevinharris1392]

Been binge watching all your videos past three days since having to follow doctors orders having to keep off my left leg and hopefully start improving. Copperhead snakes are the worst, unlike a rattler, they give you no warning. Really been enjoying all your videos, hope you continue with them.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I'm glad you're enjoying the channel. Stay tuned, much more to come!

[@paulmorissette5863]

A rattlesnake bite means calling 9-1-1 right now!

[@kyleburkholder6003]

The only tip I disagree with elevated the bit. With a snake bite the goal is to reduce the travel of venom so you want to keep the bite below the heart. If you are trying to stop bleeding that is when you should elevate the wond. The small puncture from a snake can be stop by applying pressure.

[@katiek8392]

Your voice sounds so much better! So glad you got better. Thanks for the videos!

[@bobselders4084]

That was a great video Mark thank you, I know when I'm out hiking during snake season I always check the area where my hands and feet are going to go.

[@fostoriadistrictrailfan3907]

On that first train it was cool to see a H3 D-9C44CW

[@larrywebber2971]

Thanks Mark. Good idea bringing this to the attention of us train watchers or wannbes. Here in CSX and Norfolk Southern land (I'm in Indiana) we have to be watchful of timber rattlers and copperheads in the brushy wooded areas in the boonies when train watching or any other remote outdoor activity. Enjoy your videos and so glad you're better.

[@proudfoamer2]

Twice I went foaming in the mountains in the dead of summer. One time a big rattler was crossing the road outside of the Keene gas station. And the 2nd time I got out of my truck to take a leak at walong in a snake crawl through my legs after I finished. I almost did #2 in my pants. I just froze in he kept crawling under my truck in out the other side. Memo to self, only foam Tehachapi in the winter.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Probably a gopher snake. They are almost docile as are King snakes. They're usually just looking for some grub or shade but I've had gophers startle me before so I know what you mean! Thanks for checking it out!

[@Samanthareneeheart1]

Good to know Mark ty.

[@timholland4214]

Thank You Mark. Don't personally care for snakes but also don't want undue harm to come to them. Respect them and give a wide berth. That's my motto.

[@mv3751]

Most of the time Rattlesnakes aren't aggressive, however, I have encountered Mojave Greens on the mountain and the desert that will be aggressive and even chase you

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I've heard that. I've only encountered those twice. Neither were aggressive.

[@Tone76602]

Hello Mark, Thank You for this very informative video, your voice is coming back that s great, keep up the good work.

[@MultiMightyQuinn]

So glad to see you posting! Thanks for the advice and content! Stay well, sir!

[@LouT1501]

Although there are rattlesnakes in our area, they are very rare. We have a good population of garter snakes in our yard and I have seen a gopher snake slithering through a range at our local gun club. I do see a lot of trains but the UP main is 100 yards from my house

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Yeah, I've seen many, many more gopher snakes and kings than rattlers.

[@anazolnierczyk5459]

I love snakes and spiders you are very lucky to have so much cool wildlife there, where I am there is not so much stuff.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Yes, we have a large variety of cool wildlife. Where are you?

[@johnbero4987]

The curosity gets the better of me. What is that hill called at Rowan that has the three humps? It is such a prominent part of the landscape that locals must have named it accordingly.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Three Peaks, for which Three Peaks Ranch is named.

[@johnmeadows5645]

That is realy good, sound advise Mark.

[@michaelnotigan7796]

Very informative video, Mark, thank you. I'm curious as to how many rattler encounters you and your fellow railroad workers have encountered over the years.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

For me, maybe ten over the years. I've seen a boatload on roads and from a distance but I don't consider those encounters. Thanks for checking it out!

[@michaelnotigan7796]

@@MarkClayMcGowan Thanks, Mark!

[@anazolnierczyk5459]

For a second I thought snake was another railroading term like frog. I don't see any danger with snakes and have never been worried about them, just give them space or a path to escape and you are fine.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I can see that. Frogs, horseshoes, why not snakes! Thanks for checking it out!

[@thomaspinnick5796]

Well, actually there is a railroad snake. They are used to heat rails that have pulled apart at joints due to extreme cold weather. They come in a bucket of 4 each by 10 feet long and like Mark said you lay them along the base of the rail.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I just learned that in Canada switchmen are called snakes so, in a sense, you were correct!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

@@thomaspinnick5796 but those won't bite you!

[@michaelmorgan7893]

One time back in 1984, I was kicking around the base of a code line pole looking for insulators, and my buddy saw me jump from where I was just west of the loop tunnel, to the sand below. I told him I heard a rattlesnake. I saw it beginning to coil up at me, first I froze in place, then made a command decision to get out of the area as fast as possible. So I dropped the 6 ft or so, to the sand below. That's about as close as I wanted to ever get to one.

[@jeremysmith6200]

SKUNKS was the most common critter I have seen while fanning ,good info mark!

[@lindahurley-bruce7575]

I used to work as nature lore counselor in a summer camp and got to know snakes very well. Your presentation is very accurate and thorough.

[@w.m.6018]

Thanks for this really informative video. Most of the things you explain I knew already, but nevertheless its interesting to see concrete examples of locations where snakes may be. During our holidays we made several hiking tours in the nature in Colorado, Utah and California. We didn‘t see any snake, but I‘ve always been aware and looked out for them. Most of the time during hiking I was going in Front of my Family. 😀 But one thing we made wrong: due to the warm weather we mostly wear shorts....and my kids sports shoes instead of hiking shoes. Best regards Werner

[@frankietherailfan1282]

Oh just wait till snakes on a train happens

[@davidapolson]

In the early 70’s I worked as a seasonal fireman at Keene. We would get calls in the late afternoon for fires along the RR right of way due to overheated brakes throwing off sparks. I remember one time we were walking the right of way down near Bena and stretched out in the sand there were a quit a few rattle snakes warming themselves in the sand there at sundown. We just walked around them and they did mind us at all.

[@brianhickey5949]

Solid information. We live in snake territory and deal with timber rattlesnakes and copperheads as the two dangerous types. Thank you for pointing out the habits of snakes and where to avoid being :)

[@derrickodyes1934]

really enjoy seeing new locations, all you teach about signals even watching trains go by

[@dhdisprsmith2296]

Great information Mark! I'm not a lover of any snake, so I don't venture to far from my car when I'm out in California. Also great to hear your voice is back to normal.

[@raylouis]

Speaking of Snakes, Thank You for information. Please stay off the Train Tracks, A Train can come from Either Direction.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

The most important rule on the railroad... "Expect the movement of trains at any time, in either direction on any track".

[@michaelschultz5127]

12g shotgun will be best. Or a 45cal. Submachine.

[@kens.3729]

Snakes definitely like to hang out up in the Undercarriage of Vehicles including truck spare tires. 👍

[@thomaspinnick5796]

When I would be inspecting a culvert I would usually step on the headwall to check for snakes. I don't know where it came from but one crawled across my boots. Fortunately it was a local yokel and not a rattler or copperhead. Here are a couple of brief summaries of stories about what not to do. Refrain from placing any snake in your own lunch bucket. Don't ice down a snake and hide it inside a section motorcar.

[@calypso2niner]

Why did the snake cross the road? To get to the other ssssside!

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

That was painful!

[@billmorris2613]

Good morning from SE Louisiana 3 May 21.

[@cmphighpower]

Snakes you go squish

[@jamescrum9779]

DO ONE ON HOW A TRAIN CAR UNCOUPLES AND RIDES DOWN THE HILL 👍

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

Are you talking about a hump yard? If so, one of my early videos is in the West Colton yard and I spent a good deal of time at the hump.

[@تيي-و9د]

🌐🌐🌐

[@DesertHighIron]

I’ve done a lot of train watching in the Tehachapi area throughout the years. I’ve only ever seen a snake once or twice. So yeah they want absolutely nothing to do with you. It’s just one of those things you have to be aware of for sure. Likely won’t encounter one but always good to be aware.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

In the 50 years I lived and worked in the Tehachapi area I probably encountered rattlers about 10 times. I'd see them around roads or slithering off in the distance so those aren't encounters, just sightings. They're usually leaving the area. Thanks for checking it out!

[@ATSFSuperChief]

As I lived in the Colorado mountains and was a medical first responder and firefighter we also got some decent snake training. The small young rattlesnakes are much more dangerous as they have not learned to regulate how much venom they use when biting so they give you all if it. Climbing up rocks a sitting snake will just note your hand and fingers first and then thinking it is a mouse will strike at it. Also discovered that rattlesnakes can sense movement very well and if you see one and you a pistol aim it at them and then barely move the barrel back and forth, if the snake's head follows the movement and you pull the trigger the exit wound will be the back of their head. Discovered this three times right at my house and had to protect the close area to my wife and pets, as well as myself. Several neighbors had lost dogs to rattlesnakes. In wintertime we also had snow snakes, a totally different story.

[@MarkClayMcGowan]

I've had to dispatch two rattlers but only because they were where I needed to be and wouldn't leave. One was digesting, the other a bit lethargic on a cool evening. Killed both by wracking them on the head with a shovel. They are very susceptible to impacts to the head. Snow snakes? That sounds scary! Thanks for checking it out! Thanks