Rattlesnake activity is an integral part of life in Arizona, especially in areas near natural desert habitats. Encounters with rattlesnakes, like the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, are not uncommon and often occur following specific weather patterns. For example, a recent observation by Dave from Rattlesnake Solutions highlighted a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found outside its hibernation spot after a November rain. This behavior is typical, particularly after extended dry periods.

Weather and Rattlesnake Behavior

Rattlesnakes are highly attuned to environmental changes. Rain, especially after a prolonged dry spell, can trigger activity as these reptiles take advantage of the cooler, moist conditions to hunt and hydrate. In late autumn or early winter, when snakes typically begin their hibernation, such rain events can temporarily disrupt their dormant state, prompting them to emerge.

A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found at a construction site in Florence. This was found in the first week of November, indicating that this pile of pipes was likely the selected winter den. It’s not ideal, but the location the snake was likely planning on using no longer exists. This is why construction-caused displacement can result in multiple years of increased rattlesnake encounters, as the situation affects animals well beyond those that are actually on-site at the time the bulldozers arrive.

The first speckled rattlesnake call for 2025 – The homeowner saw this tiny snake coiledl by the garage door. He thought it may be a harmless species, not recognizing the strange pattern. But Marissa asked for a photo, just to be sure. To her surprise, it was a baby speckled! The garage door had some holes in the seal, and it had been hibernating there for several months. The snake was moved to a more suitable location, and released directly to deep cover.

Some Western Diamondback Rattlesnake diversity from recent captures. These are all of typical appearance for the Phoenix and Tucson area, though certainly not a full representation of how variable they are across their range.

All were relocated to carefully selected microhabitat to emulate the conditions of capture within their estimated home range.