Hanken, James 1974 Pituophis melanoleucus Hastings Natural History Reservation, Carmel Valley, Monterey Co, Calif 2 May 2:00PM - NW-side lower footbridge across Big Creek by Toolshed. Small gopher snake (18" total length) found lying in path in shade of Quercus agrifolia. Upon my discovering it and reaching down to pick it up, the snake proceeded to give an aggressive defensive reaction, making it appear quite like a rattlesnake. I had heard about this type reaction before today, but never witnessed it myself. The snake coiled up with the anterior one-third of its body raised off the ground and facing me. The tip of the tail was uplifted slightly and vibrating - would probably have made a noise if in leaf litter. The most remarkable feature, though, was the head shape, which appeared triangular like as in vipers. When I brought my hand close to the snake it lunged at my hand with mouth open, making a hissing sound at the same time. After finally picking up the snake (which involves at least one bite to my hand), I discovered that the triangular head shape had disappeared, it being a result of the ability of the snake to manipulate its lower jaw rami in such a way that they point out laterally at the rear, giving the head a triangular shape. This particular reaction can be obviously given as well by this snake, depending on its arousal state. The snake showed no signs of having recently fed, and attempts to get it to