Case of mistaken identity #4

Rattlesnake? or juvenile Yellow-bellied Racer?

Adult racers look nothing like rattlesnakes, but it is possible to confuse juveniles of the two species.  Unlike the monotone adults, juvenile racers are covered in dark markings that help them camouflage. 

Northern Pacific Rattlesnake		Juvenile Western Yellow-bellied Racer
	In comparison to rattlesnakes, juvenile racers have... large round eyes with round pupils.  Rattlesnakes have vertical pupils.  no heat pits
	no rattle - the tail is very skinny & pointed
	many small irregular splotches smoother scales than a rattlesnake, giving it a shiny appearance.

And remember, even juvenile rattlesnakes are fairly chunky, with a distinct head and neck.

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