Marbella Rattlesnake Alert

As many Marbella residents know, Karen Wiley (two term President of our Board of Directors) was bitten by a rattlesnake several years ago. Luckily, she survived the incident. When putting out my garbage can late yesterday, I found the body of a small snake lying under the can. This morning, I studied its markings and took a photograph. By comparing its markings with photos of various species of rattlesnakes, I have identified it as a Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus m. pyrrhus). This rattlesnake is reported to be a particularly nervous species, and ready to strike at any intruder. It can deliver a fatal bite. Its average length is 3½ feet, and the maximum length 4½ feet. I caution Marbella residents to be alert to the potential danger.