Month: September 2024

Arizona Snake Removal and Rattlesnake Prevention Stories, Part 3

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

It’s a record-breaking summer, with more days over 100˚F than ever before. This presents a lot of challenges for wildlife, often putting them in conflict with people. We don’t yet know exactly how this will affect rattlesnakes in the long term, but we can say that this year we have been exceptionally busy. Rattlesnakes and other animals must find shelter and water wherever they can, and the mini-oasis provided by the average Arizona backyard doesn’t go unnoticed. Here are more Arizona snake removal and rattlesnake prevention stories from around the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas in recent times.

This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was just barely visible to the homeowner, tucked into the shade near the front entryway. These are convenient hiding spots for wildlife, and we’re often called to move snakes from this situation.

If life were a Disney movie, these two would be singing a song together as best friends. In reality, the homeowner who discovered this Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake likely saved this Desert Spiny Lizard’s life in the process of having it moved from this spot.

This unfortunate Sonoran Gophersnake found something to eat, but was then too fat to get back through the door frame and got stuck. Marissa was very gentle working it free, and the snake was released right back to the yard where it belongs.

A homeowner in Mesa saw a snake lost inside her home, which escaped from her by crawling straight up the gap in the door. Here’s how it was when Marissa arrived to capture it, and how it looked before it was released to dart off into the desert.

A large Sonoran Gophersnake in Ahwatukee that was called in as a rattlesnake. These animals can make loud sounds and shake their tails, which can easily seem to be a rattlesnake in a dark corner. Marissa moved it to a better situation.

While looking for a rattlesnake, Marissa put some water under a gap in this wall and TWO Sonoran Gophersnakes popped out the other side. The homeowner, knowing that these are harmless animals, opted to leave them in place.

From Jeff: “Mojave rattlesnake relocated from a backyard in Gilbert. The interesting thing about this was that it was very much in the middle of established development. The species is holding on in water retention basins in the middle of subdivisions. “

Properly installed rattlesnake fencing is resistant to rodent digging and erosion with specialized trenching techniques. On projects like this one in soft soil, much of the work involved is below the surface.

Well, this is awkward. A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake got stuck in a plastic bottle, making for a dangerous situation for all involved. Thankfully, the homeowner spotted the snake and Tim went out to rescue it. Using a snake tube to safely restrain the “pointy” end, the bottle was carefully cut away. The snake was then taken back to its home range and released to carefully selected microhabitat, directly into cover, with no injuries.

This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake decided to huddle up in the corner of a Scottsdale patio after noticing the homeowners.

From Bryce: “This coachwhip managed to get itself VERY stuck in some weather stripping along the front entrance of a home in Scottsdale. After a lot of patience, olive oil, wiggling, and some plier work I managed to set her free in a much better place where she can munch on some baby diamondbacks this upcoming season. “

Some Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes from recent relocation calls. The species can take on many subtle variations but generally has a pattern that could be described as more chaotic than the Mojave Rattlesnake, for which it is often mistaken.

Which of these recent relocations is not a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake?

Rattlesnake fencing installed this year will make this backyard a much more relaxed place next Spring.

More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social

A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake from erosion control rock at a new development in north Phoenix. It suffered a minor wound while a well-meaning construction worker tried to get it off the road, but it will heal up just fine and was relocated immediately.

From CJ: “My first climber. Customer said the rattlesnake began climbing a Bignonia vine in his backyard and thought it had escaped back to the wash behind the wall. After inspecting the initial vine and the wash I was surprised to see this atrox (Western Diamondback Rattlesnake) a little above eye level for me on another Bignonia. Found it a nice tunnel underneath a yucca in habitat nearby. Also cruised this baby longnose as I was leaving the property. Scottsdale.”

A big Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found hanging out on a patio in a Catalina Foothills neighborhood. Nik went out to help it find a better spot to be.

This very gravid (pregnant) Western Diamondback Rattlesnakewas found in a Scottsdale backyard in August, surrounded by perfect habitat. CJ was already in the neighborhood, having just caught a smaller one at a neighbors’ house. Both were released to the same spot, being from the same home range.

An Ahwatukee homeowner was watering his lush courtyard when he spotted a snake slither across his foot in August. He wasn’t sure what kind it was, so called us out to check it out. Marissa found the snake; a small Sonoran Gophersnake.

A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake resting during the heat of the day in a shaded corner of a Scottsdale home. The snake was captured and moved carefully to an appropriately-shaded location. It is important to emulate the situation of capture to ensure the survival of the snake, and reduce the chances of future encounters with people.

A damp spot at the base of a tree makes for a nice spot for a rattlesnake to stay cool in August heat. This one was found in Scottsdale, and relocated to carefully selected situation where it can survive the deadly conditions.

This snake was sent in for identification. The response: a Coachwhip!

This beautiful Longnosed Snake was trapped in a skimmer for at least a day back in August. The homeowner thought it would be able to escape on its own, but unfortunately it needed some help. Marissa went to get it out, and it was just fine, thankfully. The kind homeowner knew it was a harmless species, and allowed it to be released right back into the yard.

This packrat midden was found on a recent inspection of a property to find situations which may be attracting rattlesnakes. Removing nests like this can greatly reduce the chances of a rattlesnake encounter at home. The homeowner was then informed on what can be done.

For more information on our Property Inspection service: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/rattlesnake-prevention.php

A recently completed Rattlesnake Fence installation from our experienced, licensed, and insured crew.

On a yearly inspection of a property in Scottsdale, a pair of large shed skins were found. Both were from the harmless California Kingsnake, a harmless species typically welcome in in the yard. The homeowner was informed and no other signs of snake activity were found.

For more information on our Property Inspection service: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/rattlesnake-prevention.php

A very gravid (pregnant) Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found under a bush in the backyard. The night before, a different rattlesnake was found and relocated from the front yard. The property had not seen a rattlesnake in the seven years prior, so the homeowners were a bit surprised by the sudden activity.

A Desert Nightsnake was trapped in a sticky trap placed inside the garage by the homeowner’s pest control company. The snake was, thankfully, still very alive and was able to be freed. It was released back to the property, with the permission of the homeowner, after the remaining sticky traps were discarded.

If your pest control company has these out in your garage, please consider that something like this is a likely result. Not just snakes, but birds, all types of lizards, even larger animals lose their lives to these traps.

A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found on an inspection of an industrial facility recently. This is one of many in the weeks this one has been visited. These kinds of recurring property inspections can provide much needed eyes on potentially dangerous situations where workers could encounter rattlesnakes.

This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was spotted by the homeowners the night before, and they had hoped it would leave the area. But, in the morning, it was spotted hiding out near this pot. It was safely relocated to a carefully selected spot within its estimated home range.

Next to a backyard pond, complete with a fake little snake, this Mojave Rattlesnake found a nice spot to stay cool. It was moved to another location with similar properties, which is an essential aspect of successful snake relocation.

A Mojave Rattlesnake taking advantage of a shady patio in Scottsdale back in August. There are still a few locations where this species can be found in north Scottsdale, though they will not likely last long.

Snake Removal and Rattlesnake Prevention Stories, Part 2

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

As the monsoon season progresses, our team gets busier than ever. The baby rattlesnakes start being born with the incoming humidity, and snakes of all age classes and species are on the move. This begins the most critical period in their lives — the late-season push to eat as much as possible and make the best of the last hot part of the year. If the babies don’t succeed in hunting now, they may not survive the winter.

For our snake prevention team, this also means that our standards are put to the test. Tiny baby rattlesnakes are on the move, and any gaps in a backyard are an entryway. With no room for error, our team must be on point at all times. Thankfully, the training and attention to detail get the job done. 

Here are stories and photographs from our monsoon snake removal and prevention projects. This is just a small portion, but enough to get the picture.

A late night call to Ahwatukee to capture a little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in the backyard. As Bryce walked the snake out to its release location, he spotted three others hanging out in the branches trying to stay cool. This is a great indication that the release spot is ideal habitat.

This pair of Desert Spiny Lizards lives at Dave’s place in Marana, where they wait for him like this to get some mealworms 🙂 These are common lizards to see at homes in Arizona, where they make good use of the stucco and block walls.

This is a common situation in Arizona. AC units offer shade and an often undisturbed space to hide out. This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was hiding out in a Vail backyard. Dave relocated the snake to a carefully selected situation.

This little Mojave Rattlesnake was hiding out in some unused pots on the back patio of a Marana home. Any cover will work, especially on covered patios and entryways. The snake was relocated to suitable habitat for the species with consideration for the conditions.

We worked with the homeowners association of this property to modify our rattlesnake fencing to match the community’s aesthetics, without sacrificing any of the functional elements that are critical to its function. We’re thankful for communities that understand and respect homeowners need to maintain a safe environment. Brent and Elias did great on this one!

Two different Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes found in exactly the same spot two weeks apart. It’s safe to say that in situations like this, the actual issue is something in the immediate area that rattlesnakes are finding useful. Both of these were relocated safely to elsewhere in their home range.

A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake taking cover under a patio overhang.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hanging out on a Tucson back patio.

In the flat grasslands around Prescott Valley, the Mojave Rattlesnake is the most common visitor to homes. This one was using the shade of a building in the area when spotted by the property owner. Dane went out to help it along to a better area.

A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found deep in a warehouse in the east valley. It was apparently wanting to help with some cleaning up, but the property manager thought that was best left to the employees. CJ found it a much better spot under a big velvet mesquite tree near a wash.

Rattlesnake Fencing requires very specific measurements and features in order to work. Based on much testing and study of the behavior of all rattlesnake species in the state, it’s something best left to specialists.

The owners of a horse ranch in Scottsdale watched this curious Western Diamondback Rattlesnake crawl through a broken window and into a vacant barn used for storage. It had likely been staying here for quite awhile. Bryce was called out to move it to elsewhere within its estimated home range.

A familiar situation: a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake taking advantage of the pool equipment – this time to prepare to give birth to babies. These areas of properties tend to be tucked away and can provide access to rodents and a lot of shaded areas, and are one of the most common locations where we find rattlesnakes. Bryce was very gentle with this one to make sure its babies were not damaged, and found a great replacement rookery.

Bryce found FOUR gravid (pregnant) Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes at one home in Fountain Hills. They were using different areas of the property to thermoregulate as they prepared to give birth any day at that point. He found a perfect aestivation cave within their estimated home range where they’d be safe and could have their babies without danger.

The first baby snake of the year for Bryce, back on the last day of July. It’s a hatchling Coachwhip, which will likely grow to be big, fast, and bright pink! He moved it to a great spot to start out its life, away from the backyard where it was captured.

This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was very pregnant at the time of its capture in the north valley on the last day in July. Extreme care must be taken in finding the perfect location for snakes in this condition, as well as gentle handling, to make sure her and her babies are not damaged.

A back courtyard gate with some new functionality – keeping rattlesnakes out.

RJ searched the area during a break on a rattlesnake fence installation, and found the reason the homeowners were wise to be getting it done. This small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was likely an occasional visitor to the backyard, but will have to get a drink in someone else’ pool from now on.

This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was spotted under a wood patio extension in Anthem. James was called up to capture and relocate it to a better situation.

A little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found on the patio of a home near the base of South Mountain in Phoenix. CJ carefully relocated it to a better situation.

This Sonoran Gophersnake was called in as a rattlesnake, and disappeared into lantana before Bryce arrived. He was able to find it, and the homeowners learned about these harmless snakes. Keeping a big snake in the yard is something to get used to for many people, so the snake was moved a short distance to carefully selected microhabitat within its home range.

This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was just barely visible in a lanatana. The pattern of a rattlesnake can do a great job of breaking up its shape, making it very difficult to pick out of chaotic patterns, especially in dappled light. Bryce captured it and relocated it directly to carefully selected cover.

Another backyard that won’t be worrying about rattlesnakes next year. This one involved a lot of deep trenching, and more technique below the surface to prevent rodents from digging under it.

While Bryce was on route to a rattlesnake removal in Scottsdale, a bobcat showed up and killed a cottontail. It didn’t run off, instead watching the relocation from ~15 yards away. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was safely captured and relocated directly to cover within its estimated home range.

While searching a property for rattlesnakes, Marissa found this red-eared slider in an underground control space. These invasive turtles are common in city ponds and waterways.

Basements are rare in Arizona, but when there is one, these deep window wells often become traps for a variety of wildlife. This one caught three Sonoran Desert Toads, which were fortunately seen in time to be rescued and relocated to the proper area.

The standard “rattlesnake by the front door” situation that we run into daily in the Phoenix area. The covered entryways can provide cool cover that wildlife can find useful. This one was in north Phoenix, and relocated carefully to very specific surroundings.

That’s it for this one! More Arizona snake removal stories in the next post.

Arizona Snake Removal Stories, Part 1

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

The monsoon continues, bringing peak activity for all native reptiles and amphibians of Arizona. Here are just a few of those from recent times.

24/7 Snake Removal & Prevention:

Phoenix-metro: 480-237-9975

Tucson-metro: 520-308-6211

A landscaper spotted this large Sonoran Desert Toad, which led to a call to our hotline. Marissa moved it to a better spot. These toads are great for pest control! Eating everything that moves, including snakes, spiders, and even small rodents on occasion. However, for dog owners, this could be a very dangerous situation, so identifying resources that could bring these toads into a property can be important.

A homeowner had seen a few rattlesnakes in the backyard over several days time. They initially called the fire department, which tossed them over the back fence, and they came back immediately afterward. They then called us, and Marissa was able to find both snakes and identify the issue so that the homeowners could resolve the source of the problem.

A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found on a Scottsdale patio in what could have been a bad situation if the homeowners weren’t paying attention. Fortunately, it all worked out and the snake was relocated safely to a better spot.

An ideal situation for a rattlesnake to take up residence in a backyard. This situation is right next to a preserve, and a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake had been living there for quite some time. The snake was relocated, and homeowner aware of the situation.

A really clean-patterened Mojave Rattlesnake on a patio in Queen Creek. The homeowner had let the cat out and heard a rattle, prompting a quick call. The snake was safely relocated to carefully selected conditions.

A large Sonoran Gophersnake found in an assisted living facility. They were able to get it outside, where it was found in the backyard under a citrus tree.

Every property is different, some presenting unique challenges to adding suitable rattlesnake protection. Here’s a recent one completed against free-standing stakes. This pool will be an easier place to relax next year.

This Sonoran Gophersnake was found climbing up this rock and concrete chimney. This is a good example of climbable situations that can get a snake into a backyard, rather than the slug-crawl straight up the wall that people often expect.

A very common situation to find a rattlesnake in throughout Arizona. These shaded entryways that cover the front doors of many homes often emulate the situations that rattlesnakes look for in the wild to wait out hot days. This one was captured and relocated safely in north Phoenix.

This snake was hanging out under the condensation drip in the backyard. The homeowner wanted to kill it, but he was convinced by his daughter, thank goodness. After talking to him, it seemed like he had a better respect for snakes. He just had no idea they could be found where he lived because it is a very well-developed area.

From Marissa: “I remember catching a large king snake a few years ago in the same area. So, I went back and found that I caught the same king snake not far from where I caught it 3 years ago. I’m happy it’s still alive, and it’s amazing it can survive in such a developed area. This is the snake the first time I caught it.” – Gilbert, AZ

Some house painters spotted this speck under an overhang of the house. While they were watching it, a second rattlesnake was about twenty feet away but on the move, but kept going and left before Marissa arrived. This home is on a rocky hillside, where this species of snake is the most common rattlesnake. However, due to its extreme camouflage, most go undetected.

This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was seen coming and going from this refrigerator space in a backyard grill island. The property doesn’t have rattlesnake fencing and borders the desert, so situations like this are common. Savannah went out and was able to safely move the fridge and get the snake to a better situation. The homeowner was also informed on what can be done to prevent future encounters.

Some bucket shots of recent captures of some of the most commonly encountered snake species in the Phoenix area. All of these were relocated safely to carefully selected conditions.

Rattlesnake fencing was just installed at this property. It can be seen from an angle … kinda. In fact, the most common criticism we get online is from people who can’t see the mesh between the larger bars 😉 Thanks for helping prove the point!

A snake removal call to Queen Creek ended up being three rattlesnakes! After the first one was found, Jeff inspected the garage and found two more hiding away.

Jeff went to a business in Queen Creek to get this one. You can see its tracks look different than many may expect: a series of diagonal lines rather than the typical serpentine track. The circle is where the snake eventually settled into a coil for the night.

James was called out to this sleeping Sonoran Gophersnake on a late night call to north Phoenix.

From CJ: “Fairly sizable Western Diamondback hanging out on a patio late at night. The area had plenty of habitat but nothing where it wouldn’t likely run into another situation like this. So I took it to a preserve a little bit further than I would normally but found it a good desert ironwood with deep caves underneath the base where it can get a new start. Cave Creek. “

Dane picked up this Blacktailed Rattlesnake from a home at the border of Prescott and Prescott Valley. These snakes are often misidentified in the area as “Mojave Green” due to the color.

A barely-visible Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hiding out behind a planter in Scottsdale. Grant went out to relocate this snake to a carefully selected location.

Gophersnakes can get pretty big! Here’s Jeff holding up a shed skin he found at a home on a snake fence estimate – holding above his head and standing on the tail (he’s 5’11”). Shed skins stretch and aren’t an accurate representation of the true size of the snake, but it’s safe to say this is a very big animal.

This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake got through doors that were left ajar at a school and ended up trapped in the entryway. Fortunately it was spotted, and Bryce went out to help it get to a safer situation for all involved.

Bryce was called out to capture a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake behind a storage box at an Anthem home. When he was there, he also spotted a Sonoran Gophersnake with a stubby tail. Both of them were moved to a safer location.

That’s it for this one! We remain very busy through the fall into November, and this is just a fraction of what actually happens during our busiest season. For more information, visit https://rattlesnakesolutions.com or a more real-time view on our Facebook page: https://facebook.com/snakeremoval