This one is from today, was pretty stoked to see it, after being pretty spooked to see it. Seen on the Petrified Forest Loop trail at Teddy Roosevelt NP. Was watching a bird that had taken iff and the next thing I knew it was giving me the heads up.
Another shot of the Prairie Rattlesnake still raised up but calming down.
Got a little to the side of the Rattlesnake as it calmed even more but remained partially raised up.
Another shot of the Prarie Rattlesnake moving along the trail. shortly thereafter it went to setup just off the trail and I moved along well off trail on the other side.
Couple videos on the Bluesky post of it slithering away along the trail.
Oh I love TRNP. Spent a summer working for the foundation in Medora and got a lot of great hikes in. Never saw a snake though. I'll throw some fun pics up in a minute.
Hell yeah, this park is great, I’m a huge sucker for badlands so I’m all for it. Came through here about 4 years ago, but I think all I had time for was the scenic drive and a couple of the overlook type short strolls. Got in the petrified forest loop today and probably only going to get in painted canyon tomorrow depending on the weather before I need to move on again though.
Hey that's still a good trip through! Yeah I got that picture by climbing the cliff behind the employee housing. Easier than it sounds and a righteous view.