In Arizona, there’s a common snake that people routinely see in their backyards, gardens, and garages. It’s amazingly colored: bright red! When seen, the born n’ raised locals all happily chime in “red racer!” and discuss how many they played with as a kid. If it’s under 10″, then it’s a baby red racer, and if it’s one of the big 5′ sightings, it’s obviously an adult red racer.
The problem? These are entirely different species of snakes, and neither is truly a racer, or even typically red.
The “baby red racers” are actually adult Western Groundsnakes. These are not the babies of the larger snakes with the actual name of Red Racer … a type of Coachwhip. These snakes couldn’t be more different. One is typically about as big as a pencil as an adult and doesn’t bite, the other is a big, fast, intelligent snake that will almost always bite when handled. How these two very distinct snakes end up being confused for one another comes down to two things: some of them are red, and people generally know very little details about the snakes, even if they’ve lived in the area for a lifetime.
Here’s a closer look at both of the “red racer” snakes an Arizona resident may find in the yard, and how confusing this simple term can be.
A very common kind of post on social media, with nearly all of the 77 comments incorrect in the identification of this small snake.
What’s A Groundsnake? Why Isn’t It A Red Racer?
The Western Groundsnake (Sonora semiannulata) is a tiny, entirely harmless species of snake that can take on a variety of forms. They are commonly found throughout even highly urbanized areas, able to thrive in the well-watered backyards and citrus-heavy landscaping of the Phoenix landscape.
Groundsnakes are incredibly variable, to the point where it can be hard to believe they’re even the same species. Within a single area, they may have sharply contrasting black and orange bands, be entirely orange, red, olive green with a red stripe down the back, solid grey, and more. Babies often have black heads, leading to misidentification as black-headed snakes (Tantilla sp.), and may lose it as they age … or not. There are no rules when it comes to groundsnakes.
So, some are red, but these are not red racers, baby or otherwise. Below are some photos of just some of the colors and patterns of Western Groundsnakes that can be found in Phoenix.
So What Is A Red Racer?
Red Racer is the common name of a subspecies of Coachwhip (Masticophis sp.) found in much of Arizona. It’s a snake that can take on many colors, from entirely black, to olive green, brown, and bright pink and red, and every combination in between. While coachwhips are often red, the colorful pink phase is the same subspecies as the black or olive snakes. So, an entirely black Coachwhip is a Red Racer, too.
But wait, there’s more! While Coachwhips are certainly very fast, they are not, in fact, racers. Racers are snakes of the genus Coluber, a superficially similar genus of snakes that are hardly known in Arizona from a handful of specimens in the far Eastern part of the state. Both Coachwhips and both species of whipsnakes are often referred to by locals as “racer”, when in fact neither actually are.
So, the common name “red racer” for a snake that is not actually a racer, and often not red, can be confusing. Even more complicated, there are racers, just not near Phoenix.
Just some of the looks that can be taken by the “red racer” subspecies of Coachwhip in the Phoenix area:
… But I’ve Called It A Red Racer My Entire Life!
You can continue to! But now you know it’s often incorrect. Colloquial names for animals are part of the local culture anywhere. But, it’s my opinion that this only goes so far, where multiple local names are only useful until the point where they misinform.
For example, in Arizona, the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) is often referred to as a coon-tail rattlesnake, due to its distinct black-and-white banded tail. There’s no harm here, since a “coontailed rattler” refers to one thing, and does not mislead. If someone were to ask, “Have you seen any coontail rattlers?” I would know they are referring to a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake and say, “Yes,”.
But, in the states of Idaho, Montana, Colorado, and Utah, many locals talk about the diamondback rattlers that are common in the area. The only problem? There are no Diamondbacks in those states, and never have been! So someone who’s called the local rattlesnake species “diamondback” for a lifetime has just never known the real name. In this example, the colloquial name misinforms, as there is actually a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, and to call a Great Basin Rattlesnake a diamondback is simply incorrect. If someone were to ask, while I’m in Idaho, “Have you seen any diamondbacks”?, I’d have to say no … but I did see a lot of Great Basin Rattlesnakes.
The locals might have called this animal a “diamondback” for decades, but it isn’t one.
Think of colloquial names as nicknames. If your name is Robert, you might go by Rob, Robby, Bob, or Bobby, and all are correct … but it wouldn’t go on your birth certificate. But if someone were to come up to you and say “Hey Mike!”, you’d likely correct them. And, if that person then informed you that they grew up near you and they’d call you Mike their entire life: your name is still Robert.
Snakes Are Complicated, But Worth Learning About
Arizona is home to quite a few species of snakes, as you likely know if you’re reading an article on such a niche topic as this. Whether you’re a homeowner, hiker, or just challenging an old fear, learning about snakes is worth it. To get daily information about snakes you could find in your own backyard, join the Arizona Snake Identification and Questions group on Facebook.
It’s egg season. But rattlesnake eggs? Never. We get a good number of calls and inquiries about rattlesnake eggs in the backyard, but we can tell you right now: the eggs you see are not from a rattlesnake.
But, the reasons why a person might think so can be interesting. Here’s our take, and a note for those of us who devote our time to work with the public on matters of reptile conservation.
Why is it so common to think bird eggs are rattlesnake eggs?
Human brains are tricky. Be clear: this situation is a perfectly normal part of the way we often approach the unknown. Because we know a thing or two about snakes, and you likely do as well, means little – it’s something we all do. It’s a form of confirmation bias. Once an idea is in play, it’s difficult to start from a clean slate and inaccurate answers can be the result.
You’re likely familiar with hikers posting photos of dog tracks in the mud, commenting “is this a mountain lion? I think it’s a mountain lion” … and regardless of subsequent comments and evidence showing that it’s just a dog print, the initial assessment remains: there was a Mountain Lion here until proven otherwise.
We are all subject to confirmation bias. Yes, even you.
It’s a logical process issue we all can be subject to, where the least likely, but most interesting situation is the default thought, with evidence used to reluctantly disprove rather than inform.
This shows up here in rattlesnake world with things like the common misidentification of the Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake as the cooler-sounding and less often seen Tiger Rattlesnake. Or the “Mojave Green” rattlesnakes draped across mountainous landscapes across the west, which are of course something else entirely. And even lizards get this, where it’s not uncommon for us to see Chuckwallas initially labeled as a venomous Gila monster. It’s also covered here in our video about how to tell the difference between a Mojave Rattlesnake and Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/mvd)
So what does a person tend to do when faced with mysterious eggs in the backyard. Could they be from the birds back there every day, or the lizards on the block walls … once the idea that they could be from a rattlesnake creeps in, everything else falls away. And, thankfully, we can always answer with complete certainty when asked.
It’s just another aspect of how interesting thought processes are when it comes to anxiety-producing topics, like rattlesnakes. The longer we do this work, the more time is spent understanding the thought processes themselves, rather than be frustrated with the results. Education is certainly important, and we all know that fear and ignorance go hand-in-hand. However, what can feel like an endless, helpless situation can change when we focus on how these thoughts are produced, protected, and perpetuated.
A community may never care for rattlesnakes, and that’s not a surprise. But they certainly care about other things: how they fit into the local culture, how useful or beneficial are they to their “tribe”, which aspects of a personality are desirable to express, and so on. By thinking about how rattlesnakes might fit into those boxes for an individual, or a community, change can be acheived. When being knowledgeable and kind to wildlife, including rattlesnakes, becomes a mark of local importance with all of the social benefits therein: watch what happens.
As rattlesnakes start to show up on the surface again this year, a few things are predictable. Some hikers and homeowners will report rattlesnake sightings, complete with photos of usually-sleeping snakes, with various warnings and declarations about warm winters and misreads on words like ‘brumation’.
So we’ll state plainly and to the point: rattlesnakes are not coming out early; it is typical every year for rattlesnakes to begin the early staging portion of den egress in mid-February.
This is based on our relocation data from more than 14 years of operation, as well as field observations from our team over the past 20 years. It’s also just keeping track of when these sightings tend to start each year, which is easier than ever thanks to social media. We can state with complete accuracy that the rattlesnake emergence activity right now (February 2024) is typical and going as planned.
In the next two weeks, sightings will increase, but rattlesnakes will not be out and about just yet. This “staging” part involves a lot of laying around in the sun near the entrance to their den. That might be sleeping in the grass right next to it, lounging under a nearby bush, or coiled on top of a packrat nest. They may make short movements, but are still tethered to the den until springtime conditions stabilize in March.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake doing its thing, as they do every February. This snake will hang out, along with a few others, right around the entrance to its winter den for a few weeks before leaving for the Spring. Most people would never see this without intentionally seeking it, so don’t worry.
How to avoid rattlesnakes in the staging period of den egress
Hikers can avoid rattlesnakes right now by simply staying on the trails. If you notice, most of the posts from hikers on social media where a rattlesnake is spotted are off-trail, climbing boulder piles or other situations where seeing a rattlesnake might even be expected. In comparison, a trail with people coming and going is not a place that most rattlesnakes will want to deal with for these sensitive situations, and will avoid them. Put your dog on a leash if it isn’t already, and it’s time to put the headphones away for the year.
Homeowners who see rattlesnakes in February should know that they’ve likely been there for months at this point, and it’s possible there are others on the property. If you’re doing any work like a garage cleanout, using a grill island, anything involving the pool equipment area, or general yard cleanup, be aware that this is when rattlesnakes might show themselves. And if you do see one, AVOID the fire department’s version of “rattlesnake relocation”, which is to dump it on the other side of the fence … which this time of year would guarantee an immediate return to the place of capture or a neighbor’s property.
Rattlesnakes may be visible, but prime rattlesnake encounter time is still a month or more away
Think of what they’re doing right now like this. It’s that part of the morning where you’re getting up and pouring some coffee. Maybe you’re checking some email or texts from overnight, but you’re not getting into all that right now. You’ve got that 45 minutes or so to let your brain adjust to daytime, and those sweat pants aren’t going anywhere for now. Think of rattlesnake activity in February like this, and for many of us, it will make perfect sense.
You can keep an eye on how the overall rattlesnake season is progressing by looking at our Rattlesnake Activity Forecast: based on real-time snake relocation information coming into our hotline. As you can see for today, it’s not something to really concern yourself with.
Some easy responses to common comments about rattlesnakes in February:
“OMG they’re out early!”
No, this is very normal. Every year, rattlesnakes start the den egress process in favorable conditions starting as early as January.
“I’m done hiking for the year!”
That’s unfortunate! While the fear of rattlesnakes may be real, the danger is relatively easy to mitigate. If hiking is something you enjoy, working on learning to feel ok out there to keep hiking the other 9 months of the year may be worthwhile.
“They never go away for the winter”
Sure they do. Being on the surface at the den is part of the larger, complex behavior of hibernation. While it’s true that in some conditions rattlesnakes can be seen in specific locations at any time of year, this behavior is largely predictable and to compare behavior over the winter months to, say, April, is simply inaccurate.
Each day in July, 2023 has been above 110˚F with no end in sight. What do the rattlesnakes do?
A common misconception is that reptiles love the sun – the hotter, the better, right? Well, not quite. Like all reptiles, rattlesnakes are ectotherms and get their heat from the environment. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have limits. Just like you in the office when whats-his-name down the row keeps fiddling with the thermostat, rattlesnakes prefer specific temperatures. And more importantly, they can quickly die when they get too hot.
How hot is too hot for a rattlesnake? It depends. Generally, if the body temperature gets above 110˚ for even a little while, a rattlesnake will not survive. With ground temperatures hot enough to cook an egg, a rattlesnake caught out in the open for even a minute mid-day in Arizona will not survive. Aside from overheating, prolonged heat can kill off rattlesnakes by desiccation, literally drying out in the Arizona oven while the monsoon takes its sweet time getting here.
Where do rattlesnakes go when so hot?
Rattlesnakes hide away during the hottest and driest time of year in carefully selected retreats in a behavioral state known as aestivation. Think of it as hibernation to escape the heat instead of cold. Each year, rattlesnakes may use the same aestivation den, alongside other rattlesnakes of multiple species. And just like hibernation, these aestivation dens serve as social hubs, as well as survival escapes.
In the wild, these aestivation dens may be a cave in a drainage wall, a deep crevice in a rocky outcrop, packrat nests, or any number of other deep, thermally protected areas. But near developed areas, an even greater resource exists: backyards.
Openings to the foundation, cracks in the concrete leading under the deck, the shaded base pad under pool pump equipment, and more can be ideal aestivation dens for groups of rattlesnakes. Even better, almost all backyards provide easy sources of water. Combine all of this with dense, well-watered lantana or rosemary, and the perfect rattlesnake summer sanctuary is made.
If you find a rattlesnake in the yard right now, it’s possible it has been there awhile.
These Speckled Rattlesnakes are resting a short distance from their aestivation den and will retreat once the sun heats the area. This is a similar situation to aestivation dens found at homes, where homeowners may encounter them on the patio a short distance from the actual den.
“But it’s a dry heat”
Don’t be fooled by this favorite statement of visitors from wetter climates. We’re not talking about feeling sweaty and uncomfortable while you eat BBQ – dry heat kills.
Moisture loss is a significant danger to rattlesnakes when it’s so hot and dry outside. Simply breathing is dangerous, as every molecule of water lost from the body won’t be replaced until it falls from the sky. Any source of sustained water can and will attract rattlesnakes and other wildlife. If there is deep cover nearby to wait out the day until the next opportunity to drink, it makes an irresistible resource.
A group of rattlesnakes I found living under a leaky AC unit behind our home.
For homeowners, now is the time to review the property. Something as simple as a dripping hose or irrigation line that’s a bit too generous may be an oasis bringing venomous snakes to the yard. Eliminate any sources of water possible. View the property as critical habitat, and make careful decisions. If a rattlesnake is spotted few times a year near that over-watered natal plum, it’s time for some hard decisions about that plant.
What happens to rattlesnakes that are relocated when it’s so hot?
This statement doesn’t exactly make us popular, but it’s the truth. Do not call the fire department or the local security guard to relocate snakes, especially when it’s this hot. Even if the fact the snake will likely die isn’t reason enough, a potentially more dangerous situation can be the result. It doesn’t matter who: call a professional with deep snake knowledge. Here is why:
Homeowners are finding rattlesnakes in entryways or in a corner along the back patio and calling for relocation. The trick is, however, that these situations are usually not new. If a rattlesnake is in a yard right now, there are two scenarios that are most likely:
The rattlesnake has been aestivating on the property or immediately adjacent and is being discovered by chance after weeks of undetected behavior.
The rattlesnake was displaced by construction. Or, with increased frequency, botched relocation by the fire department or under-experienced relocator.
Rattlesnakes are often found in small groups aestivating in backyards. When we are called to catch one, we can usually locate the aestivation den, where we look to see if there are more. The homeowner is then educated on what is happening, and how the den can be addressed to prevent future, similar encounters. In these instances, the snake itself is not the issue, but a symptom of a provided resource. Usually, these can be fixed relatively easily.
Rattlesnake encounters in the summer that are due to construction of unexperienced relocation are a more complicated matter, unfortunately. While it is a great thing that there is an increased will out there to not kill rattlesnakes and have them relocated instead, the details matter greatly. If a rattlesnake is captured by the fire department and moved to a nearby bush or released to open ground, one of two things happen: the snake dies, or it panics and manages to escape to the nearest cover. This can be shade at the neighbors’ house, back to the original location, or any number of potentially dangerous situations. Rattlesnakes that are able to behave naturally can often coexist for a lifetime without conflict with humans by careful evasion, but all bets are off when they are forced into a cover-or-die situation.
We are currently seeing a lot of activity on our snake removal hotline. Rattlesnakes and other wildlife are having a tough time in this heat, forcing them to take desperate measures to survive. This increase of conflict is something that can be resolved by working with the natural behavior of the snake. This means that snakes that are captured for relocation must be released directly into a suitable replacement aestivation den. This also means that the individual relocating the snake needs to be able to identify aestivation microhabitat.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found by a snake relocator while searching for a suitable aestivation den to relocate a rattlesnake found at a home. This snake is a clue that the right release site is nearby. This careful release site selection is essential during the summer.
How to keep rattlesnakes out of the yard during the summer
The best way to keep snakes out of the yard during the hot, dry summer months is to reduce critical resources as much as possible. When it is this hot, rattlesnakes aren’t traveling around like they would be during the spring and fall, so the situations where they are found. This means rattlesnake encounters at homes are much more predictable and, therefore, avoidable.
Here are some things that can be done in a single weekend that can significantly reduce the chances of a summer rattlesnake den in the yard:
Do a sweep of the property for unnecessary water sources. This means fixing the leaky hose, cleaning up the outdoor dog bowl area, and checking on landscaping irrigation and drip lines to make sure they’re in good shape.
Watch areas of AC condenser run-off. You may be able to fix these situations by placing a metal can under them to prevent the ground from getting wet, and allow faster evaporation.
It’s time to get rid of those overgrown, over-watered lantana and rosemary bushes. They come standard with every home in Arizona, but consider native plants that require less water and are less likely to attract rattlesnakes and their prey.
Look into snake fencing as an option to physically prevent entry.
Find and fill any cracks and openings to the foundation of the home and other buildings. Any access to crawl spaces, flashing, under pavement and the driveway, or the foundation can become rattlesnake dens in the summer.
Carefully check seldom-visited sections of the yard: specifically pool pump areas and air conditioning units. These spots are usually hidden away and provide easy, private retreats for rattlesnakes and other animals.
Flood and destroy rodent burrows as they are found.
By this time, when rattlesnakes have already been at their summer retreats for several weeks, it’s more productive to prepare for what comes next: the monsoon activity, where encounters will be at the highest rate of the year.
What happens to rattlesnakes when the monsoon comes?
Once the monsoon rain comes, several events are kicked off.
First, the abundant ambient moisture and access to water relieve some of the survival pressure. Rattlesnakes will no longer be forced to hide away, meaning they can resume moving, hunting, and other activities. Rattlesnakes encountered in backyards will be less likely to be long-term residents. Aestivation dens are largely abandoned for the year for many species.
Often this is when rattlesnakes shed their skins, too. The moisture can start the shedding process, during which many rattlesnakes remain hidden away for a period of time, regardless of the nicer conditions outside. However, once they shed, they’re off to hunt and more.
Next, it’s time for babies! The moisture kicks off the birthing season. Rattlesnakes either birth in place, or move to special places where babies will be born, called rookeries. Depending on the species, the timing and location of this event varies. For Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes, which make up the bulk of rattlesnake encounters with homeowners, this can be about anywhere with adequate cover.
Questions and Answers about Summer Rattlesnake Activity:
Can I use a garden hose to move a rattlesnake away while it’s this hot?
You can, but it is likely a temporary solution. Rattlesnakes found in the yard right now are likely aestivating nearby, and will remain in the area until they can leave after the monsoon rain brings relief. Also, make sure the water isn’t too hot by spraying it to the side for a few seconds.
Are rattlesnakes more likely to be found indoors during this time?
Yes, but it’s still a very remote possibility. Even though indoors is obviously cooler, very few rattlesnake removal calls are inside homes during this time of year. The majority of rattlesnake in-home calls we respond to are due to doors being left open in the Spring and Fall, which is not an issue when it is above 110˚F outside.
Do rattlesnakes climb trees and shrubs to get away from the hot ground?
Rattlesnakes are often found up off the ground in bushes outside of their aestivation dens when it is this hot outside. A bit of airflow can help a snake keep cool, and they seem to take advantage of it.
How often do we find rattlesnakes that have died from the heat?
In our research of rattlesnakes living in urban islands, it is not uncommon to find rattlesnakes that have died during the hot and dry foresummer. This can be exacerbated by disturbance, such as stress from visitation or poorly performed relocation. An event as simple as a short delay from overnight location back to the den can mean death.
Am I attracting rattlesnakes if I provide water for generally preferable wildlife, such as rabbits and birds?
If this is being done in an area where rattlesnakes can occur: absolutely. Not only by providing water, but attracting prey animals as well. If there’s also an area the rattlesnakes can escape to during the day, it’s an ideal rattlesnake situation.
Where do wild rattlesnakes find water during the heat?
For the most part, they don’t. They are forced into a state of preservation, waiting for the monsoon rain to come. Others may find water at springs, rivers and streams, cattle tanks, and other sources of year-round water. But for many rattlesnakes, this simply isn’t an option.
Can excessive heat cause negatively affect the reproductive success of rattlesnakes?
Yes. Conditions of prolonged heat and drought are difficult to survive for any age of rattlesnake, with newborns being especially susceptible. In the summer of 2020, during a long period without rain and excessive heat, we observed that speckled rattlesnakes more often gave birth at aestivation dens rather than move to typical locations. This was mirrored in birthing events of Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes and others, giving birth in less-than-ideal situations. While these effects aren’t well documented, our observations and anecdotal experience with birthing in urban situations show, essentially: panic.
What do rattlesnakes do on hot ground or pavement when it’s this hot outside?
They die. This is why it is avoided at all costs, and it’s lethal to them when the fire department dumps them into a bush rather than relocate to a suitable area.
Are there any repellents that can be used to keep rattlesnakes from spending the summer in my cooler, wetter backyard?
Unfortunately there are no snake repellents on the market that will keep snakes of any species away, despite claims. The effective alternatives are a combination of habitat and resource reduction and, where applicable, snake fence installation.
Do rattlesnakes mate when it’s this hot?
Rattlesnakes can court and mate at any time of year, but typically the seasons for doing so are in the spring and fall, depending on species.
Is it ok to leave water our for rattlesnakes and other wildlife?
Yes it is! Just be sure that it is clean and does not become a disease vector. Also understand that doing so will indiscriminately invite wildlife to the area, and it’s not possible to pick and choose. Leaving water out for birds and bunnies is the same as doing so for rattlesnakes.
Are there specific scents or chemicals that can be applied to deter rattlesnakes?How about plants?
There are currently no products, operating either by scent or otherwise, that will effectively deter rattlesnakes and would be legally and ethically feasible.
The rumors about plants such as rosemary, lemongrass, mint, and other “snake-repellent” plants are just local mythology. Ironically, some of these, such as rosemary, provide deep ground cover that can actually attract rattlesnakes.
Does the application of lava rock, gravel or other small rocks deter rattlesnakes?
While these materials do not directly deter rattlesnakes, they may provide some protection in some areas simply by being hot ground cover. However, using these materials specifically for rattlesnake deterrent purposes would not be advisable. Remember that rattlesnakes live in very hot, rough environments. Using rocks, even sharp rocks like lava rock, would not have an effect.
How often do rattlesnakes need to drink?
If given an opportunity, they can drink every day. However, they are very efficient and many ways of preserving moisture through their behavior and physiology, and can go for several months without a drink if they must.
What can I do to help the rattlesnakes without causing unintended danger (to either them or me)?
This may seem like a non-answer, but simply having the attitude that rattlesnakes should be kept alive and are important wildlife is an important node contributing to changing culture. Perhaps the best thing someone can do, if they are aware of the potential risks associated and are able and willing to communicate as needed to visitors and others, is to simply leave the rattlesnakes in place.
At my own home, for example, we have discovered an aestivation den of Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes hiding out under the AC unit behind the house. It’s not in an area with immediate concern, but we know it’s there and make sure we behave appropriately. Rather than relocate these, we will allow them to stay there for the remainder of the aestivation period, then will likely repair the leaky AC drip that has caused the situation. We know there are several nearby and suitable aestivation sites in the immediate area, so loss of this one will not have negative consequences for these snakes.
During the monsoon each year, talk on social media turns to potentially deadly toads that can kill a dog very quickly. Of course, there are several species of toads that can be found in Arizona, and only one can be considered dangerous. This video tells you how to differentiate between these common toads.
Which toad is dangerously poisonous??
Of the 5 species of toads most common to the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas, only one can be considered dangerous. That is the Sonoran Desert Toad, or Colorado River Toad as they are also called. They are large, olive green toads with elongated poison glands behind the eye.
Other toads may also have poison glands and secrete toxin. However, they might at best, make your dog throw up if it eats them. Being able to tell one toad from the next is essential, and can save your dog’s life.
Identification key to the most common toads in Arizona
This is the Sonoran Desert Toad (or Colorado River Toad, as it is also referred to). These large toads, when under attack, will secrete a poison that can severely injure or kill a dog.
Next, perhaps the most commonly-seen toad in the county, the Red Spotted Toad. They are everywhere, and not something to worry about.
Next up: the Woodhouse’s Toad. They can pop up anywhere the others can, but seem to be more commonly associated with neighborhoods that border agricultural areas. If your dog chews on one, it could emit a toxin that might make your dog drool and possibly throw up … but is not a danger. If anything, I might speculate that a bad experience with a gross-tasting toad might even help give your dog some context to avoid chewing on the next one it sees.
Very similar in appearance to the Woodhouse’s Toad is the Great Plains Toad. It’s a stout-looking toad with a more reticulate, blotched pattern than the Woodhouse, but also often has a light colored stripe down the back. They have always looked, to me, to be the grumpiest of all toads.
Not as commonly seen, especially outside of the monsoon season, are these bright green, cat-eyed toads: Couch’s Spadefoot. These cute little guys are not a danger.
Tips to keep toads out of the yard
Keeping toads away from the property can be difficult, as they are highly mobile and can be drawn to any source of moisture. But there are some steps you can take to keep toads out of the yard.
Reduce sources of moisture as much as possible. This may be drip systems and irrigation, leaky hoses, AC compressor drips, leaky pool pump areas, and more. Review the property at sunup before water has had a chance to evaporate and eliminate what you can.
Keep patio lights off and reduce decorative lighting if possible. These lights bring in insects, which, in turn, bring toads in to eat them. It’s not uncommon to find toads hanging out under bright patio lights hunting, and fewer lights means fewer bugs to eat.
Review landscaping and reduce plants that require excess water, and make sure there is no buildup of leaflitter under them.
Purchase things like a Critter Ramp for the pool to get toads that fall into the pool back out (as well as rodents and snakes!
Consider installing rattlesnake fencing. It’s not designed for toads, but it has a reduction effect and can be a useful tool in their prevention.
Have dogs trained in toad avoidance. Ask your local dog trainer about it.
A patio light left on provides an all-you-can-eat buffet for toads.
What to do if you have a poisonous toad in your yard?
First, figure out what it is. If you’re not sure, you can send it to our team via email at id@rattlesnakesolutions.com or text a picture to 4806943020.
2. If it’s a harmless one, just leave it there and go on to step #4.
3. If it’s a Sonoran Desert Toad (the poisonous kind): you can move it elsewhere, then just wash your hands. Or you can call someone to remove it.
4. However, you really need to investigate to figure out why it’s there to begin with, and change that situation if you can. Even if you find one of the harmless toads listed here, it can be an indication that there is moisture nearby that can also bring in the big, poisonous toads. Removing unintentional water features like drips from a leaky hose or AC compressor can make a big difference.
I have caught the toads, where do I put them?
The toads you capture will need another, similarly-moist area to be relocated to, or they will not survive. This could be a nearby drainage, cattle tank, park, golf course, or anywhere you know there’s a little water and cover. If you know you could have some toads nearby, spend a little time on Google Maps to find an alternative place to take them. You should not take them far (as close as possible) and definitely not more than a mile or so away.
Then, it’s time to work on the source of the problem: your yard.
The toads you find in your yard are there because of provided moisture. If you remove toads but do not fix the source of the problem, you’ll just have more toads later.
What to do if your dog eats a poisonous toad.
It’s 2am, your dog isn’t coming in from the late-night pee break. You put on the slippers and head out into the yard to discover your pup chewing on a toad. What do you do?
Remove the toad from the mouth of the dog immediately. The toad will not poison you by touching it, so just grab it and get it out – don’t waste time looking for gloves or a tool.
Get the garden hose and run out the hot water, then wash the dog’s mouth out extremely well. You want to get all of the poison that may have been excreted off of interior tissue.
WHILE THIS IS HAPPENING someone in the household should be on the phone with the 24 hour emergency vet that you’ve selected in advance. Do not wait.
Ignore advice from social media, such as taking Benadryl or other home remedies. This toxin can kill a dog very quickly – do not gamble with bad information.
Disclaimer: we are not veterinarians; defer to your emergency vet’s advice. This list has been provided by emergency veterinary professionals as actions that could help in an emergency situation.
Be proactive – have your yard inspected
During the monsoon season each year, our rattlesnake removal crew sees a lot of toads while on the search for hidden reptiles. The fact is: toads kill just as many dogs, or more, than rattlesnakes … so it’s good for everyone involved to extend this service to help homeowners keep dogs safe from toads as well. Email toads@rattlesnakesolutions.com to learn more about what we can do to keep toads out of the yard.
What you can easily avoid here is the confusion and panic of trying to search for whoever is open and asking what to do. If you live where toads can be found (or snakes, for that matter), whatever planning you can do in advance is the best thing you can do and make the difference between your dog living or dying.
Carve an hour or two out of your day to search for 24 hour emergency veterinary hospitals. Call them, find out the pricing, protocol, and work out the plan from start to finish in advance. The difference in how well your dog can be treated, and how you feel during the very scary experience, can be very different if you’re enacting a plan rather than panicking in the dark.
If you are a member of any local buy/sell groups, you’ve likely seen this post out there. If you do, do not share it – it’s part of a scam to create viral posts in these easy to get into and usually poorly moderated groups.
Is this rattlesnake fake?
Not at all. It’s a real snake; an Ornate Blacktailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus ornatus) from the mountains of Texas where they are found. This one was photographed several years ago within its natural home range by a rattlesnake educator named Tim Cole.
Quick correction of BS associated with this scam trend:
Rattlesnakes are not increasing their range – in fact most species are losing ground quickly.
This rattlesnake is not an albino – it is a normal coloration and appearance for the species.
“Scientists don’t know everything” and similar comments: because it is a mystery to some does not mean this snake is a mystery to those who study them. If you just learned about the existence of this species from this scam post, consider that herpetologists are more knowledgeable than you are on the topic.
If you see this post:
Report it to Facebook as false information
Post this article into the comments so that others can be informed and stop spreading it.
This photograph been circulating in recent weeks – a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake coiled in a potted plant. It has, as these things tend to do, taken on a life of its own since then and the waft of BS is all over social media.
Is this photograph real?
Yes it is – it’s really nothing out of the ordinary. This is a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake from somewhere in the eastern end of its range (more than likely Texas). It’s sitting in a potted plant, which is both cool and humid, which anyone living outdoors right now is into.
What isn’t real?
The misinformation surrounding where this has been posted is inaccurate. It’s currently circulating around gardening groups, community pages, and anywhere that trolls and needy personalities find useful to scare people for attention. Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes do not live anywhere near Oregon, Idaho, Ohio, northern California, Florida, or many of the places it’s been claimed to originate. It’s also not from Arizona, as we have seen several claim already.
What is really interesting about this, but not too surprising:
The number of people who post this with false information who claim that it is their own photograph, and first-hand experience. To anyone tasked with unraveling the waves of bad information and personality disorders associated with rattlesnake misinformation, this is a normal phenomenon. Many who spread misinformation like this do so without knowing that it’s already been shared thousands of times at this point, so claims like “this morning in my garden”, often posted from locations where this could not possibly have happened, are extra silly.
Should I worry about this and stop gardening?
Absolutely not. Realize this is viral for a reason: it’s interesting, unusual (to most), and meant to get you excited, scared, worried, or whatever else you may be feeling. If anything at all, if you live in an area where rattlesnakes do occur, just take it as a reminder that rattlesnakes could be found in your garden at some point, and take the necessary precautions.
The rumors are out there, and it’s true! Rattlesnake encounters spike in October, and it’s happening right now throughout much of the state. But, this is completely normal, happens every year, and it’s not really anything to worry about. Let’s take a look at the reasons, and why you shouldn’t be too concerned.
If you haven’t been outside yet this morning: it’s cold!
Rattlesnakes don’t have sweatpants and blankets, so they have work to do to avoid it. That means there’s a lot of activity in October, especially in the late afternoon and just after dark. They’re making movements to wherever they’re going to spend the winter … and it just so happens that this occurs right when people spend more time outside enjoying the cooler weather.
More people moving at the same time that more snakes are moving = more snake encounters. This is normal, and happens every year Add in a continued hockey-stick upward graph of population and development, and you have record encounter figures.And no, there is not, as I’ve seen a few post out there, a “bumper crop” of rattlesnakes.
They don’t spring forth from the Earth when water touches it. It would take several years of consecutively prime conditions to result in both higher birth rates and survivorship of young that could show a measurable increase in the rattlesnake population. Even then, their natural predators (every animal with a pulse in the desert) would put it right back where it should be.
The rumor mill is abuzz (see what I did there?)
I am fortunate that the local news allows me to comment on these kinds of rumors, and put it into perspective. Rumors like this can be problematic, and lead to dangerous situations for people and snakes. A person can have a totally normal experience, like seeing two rattlesnakes on a single bike ride, and then remember hearing from old Larry at the feed store that there’s a gull durn rattler invasion happening. That person might then take that typical experience of seeing multiple rattlesnakes and incorrectly use it to confirm Larry’s herpetological theories. Then come further posts, some causing people to do things like kill snakes to “help”, putting themselves in danger in the process.
Now that we know all of this, check out this video from KOLD in Tucson that explains.
More information on that snake fencing mentioned in the article:
In response, we’ve created a video that is our best response to the question. It’s long but comprehensive. It’s not just learning how to look at features, but addresses topics that cause confusion and cognitive bias that can really get in the way when seriously trying to learn to identify rattlesnakes. This video will walk you through the best way look at key features with a logical approach to differentiate between Mojave Rattlesnakes and Western Diamondback Rattlesnake.
What can you do? “Count the scales on the head”, someone says … but how useful is that in real-life situations? “Tail bands look different”, another comment will read … compared to what? There are thousands of photographs of both species online, but telling the difference between a Mojave Rattlesnake and a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is still a point of confusion.
Build your skills to identify a Mojave Rattlesnake vs Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
In the video, we end with the mention of a short quiz you can take to see how well you know the difference between Mojave and Western Diamondback rattlesnakes. It’s 40 images, randomly selected and ordered, with 1 point per correct answer. When you’re done, you’ll see a link to check your score, and your answers. However, we encourage you to skip looking at which ones you got right or wrong, so that you can continue to improve your identification skills by taking the test again.
Is this photograph of a giant rattlesnake from Arizona real? That question has dominated my inbox for the last few days, so here’s the answer.
Yes, this photo is 100% real. There is no photoshop involved whatsoever.
However, the snake is not nearly as large as it’s made out to be. It appears to be a standard-sized adult Western Diamondback Rattlesnake for Arizona at around 3′ long.
This is yet another example of an illusion called forced perspective. In real life, your stereoscopic vision (two eyes) gives you depth perception, so you can clearly see that things that are closer to you aren’t actually larger. However, a camera just has one eye – the lens – so it isn’t always as apparent.
But why isn’t it obvious? It’s a no-brainer that closer things look larger on camera. It’s likely the subject matter. If someone held up an every day thing, like a water bottle, you’d not immediately share the photo with your Facebook friends about someone drinking from a 6′ tall bottle. The fact that the subject is a rattlesnake seems to short circuit that part of the brain, and you’re left staring at what seems to your eyes a very, very large rattlesnake.
Exactly why this same photo keeps popping up, though, reported from different cities, states, and even claims to be the photographer, are more interesting. For whatever reason, these photos are useful vehicles to get attention, and many people on social media eat it up. The first two locations I’ve seen were Peoria, AZ and Oro Valley, AZ … so the real location is probably one of those.
So it’s a rattlesnake alright, there’s nothing at all extraordinary about this situation.
Add in a continued hockey-stick upward graph of population and development, and you have record encounter figures.And no, there is not, as I’ve seen a few post out there, a “bumper crop” of rattlesnakes. 