A call came in for a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake discovered near the front door of an Ahwatukee home. Austin found the snake resting in the corner, taking advantage of the shade and conductive cooling from the foundation. There was a lot of cover in the yard, despite the landscaping being well maintained. The snake was relocated in a deep drainage within its estimated home range (bonus Sonoran Desert Tortoise seen at the release site)
This little snake is a Desert Nightsnake, one of the most common snakes to find inside a home in the Phoenix area. Their small size lets them in through even minor openings in sliding doors, etc. This one was found in a living room and taken outside.
Blacktailed Rattlesnakes are large, usually greenish snakes found in mountainous habitat. Of the rattlesnake species in the areas where we work, they are the least likely to be found at a home. This one was on the patio near Prescott, Arizona. Dane carefully relocated the snake to suitable habitat, based on the natural history of the species, time of year, and other factors.
A few recent captures in an afternoon from Apryl. The fall is almost as busy as the Spring for the relocation team, as snakes have a lot to do before the winter.
