{"id":283,"date":"2018-06-30T17:48:12","date_gmt":"2018-07-01T00:48:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rattlesnakesolutions.com\/snakeblog\/?p=283"},"modified":"2020-07-03T07:08:18","modified_gmt":"2020-07-03T14:08:18","slug":"living-with-snakes-basics-for-new-arizona-residents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rattlesnakesolutions.com\/snakeblog\/snake-removal\/living-with-snakes-basics-for-new-arizona-residents\/","title":{"rendered":"Living with Snakes Basics for New Arizona Residents"},"content":{"rendered":"

Photo by Brandon Harmon, Rattlesnake Solutions<\/em><\/p>\n

Many people move to Arizona for our near-constant sunshine, and mild winters. These also make for perfect conditions for reptiles, which to the dismay of many homeowners, live in great numbers throughout the state. Where our neighborhoods meet the desert, an encounter with a snake every so often is just part of life.<\/span><\/p>\n

The valley is home to 6 unique species of rattlesnake, all of which pack a harmful, venomous bite.<\/strong> A bite, which if logic prevails, is almost always optional. Rattlesnakes are on the menu for many desert predators. They\u2019re nervous, shy, and like most animals, will try to prevent their own death when it is threatened. Rattlesnakes do not chase, jump at, or come after perceived predators, regardless of the numerous, fictional tales we as Arizonans are sure to hear. The fact is; rattlesnakes encounters are almost always harmless if in nature, and optional in our yards.<\/span><\/p>\n

So what is the home owner to do, when a venomous visitor suddenly drops by one morning, coiled on the porch and going nowhere? The first thing to consider: nobody is in danger. The snake has been seen, and the only way anyone will be within range of a bite is if they put themselves there. Statistically, this is what many shovel-wielding husbands will do, becoming the single largest bite statistic, by far. A bite to the hand of a home hero can cost well over $100,000, cause incredible pain, and result in disfigurement and occasional death. Contacting a professional to remove the animal costs around $100, and is absolutely safe and humane.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking one step back – why is the snake there? Isn\u2019t there some way to keep them from being there in the first place? Fortunately there is. Here are a few tips to keep your yard as rattlesnake-free as possible:<\/span><\/p>\n