Gopher Snake

With ten Midwestern novices (and three experienced hikers) in our group, it was fun watching reactions to this gopher snake. Some freaked because it was a snake. Some were worried that it was a rattlesnake, but were very trusting and curious when told it was just a gopher snake. A couple guys wanted to chase it, of course. My reactions: (1) can I get off a quick shot? and (2) this is a bit high (6200') for a snake in Yellowstone. June 2009.