Saw it lying across the trail, but when I got close with the camera, it immediately flipped entirely over to show it's orange underside.
I'd not seen that behavior before. The few I've found in the past would just show the bright red tail curled up.
I guess that these are defensive/distraction behaviors, though I have trouble understanding how making part of yourself look more like a fat juicy worm would be at all helpful in most cases.
I tried getting one more photo as it quickly took off, but I wasn't fast enough to get a good shot.
sunning in the parking lot at 5:30pm, had what looked like an old injury to lower spine before vent. probably about 12-13 inches total length
Flipped under a rock during heavy rain
Alameda County
under a log at alum rock
Under a wood board not too far from two rattlesnakes.
Here's the links for the rattlesnakes:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/209192509
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/209192506
It tried to slither away, upon which I grabbed it and moved it to a concrete building foundation for some better shots, then turned it to its board.
Coyote Creek Parkway.
Found in a wet, dense forest near a river. Under a log. Name makes sense. Lifer for me
Santa Cruz County