Northern Pacific rattlesnakes, Crotalus oreganus oreganus, are variably colored and patterned. All are attractive in a "rattlesnakey" sort of way, but seldom do I see one that I think to be more noteworthy that the last.

But this belief was changed when on a herping trip to the Pacific Coast a friend showed me one of his favorite captive "Norpac" rattlers.



At a glimpse I could easily see why it was his favorite, and neither before nor since have I seen what I consider its equal.

More photos under the jump...