This clever little gophersnake almost outsmarted everyone. I thoroughly searched the N. Phoenix garage, which was very clean and offered very few hiding spots and was beginning to think the snake had slipped out unnoticed. I had the homeowner close the garage door so we could check the gaps, only to discover that it had been watching us from above the entire time. Thankfully it was completely unharmed and is now living on the ground floor of a large packrat nest. – Jason
An evening call in the Red Mountain area. The homeowner was working in the garage and his young nephew was just outside the backdoor of the shop playing when he noticed a rattlesnake moving about the rocks just outside the doorway, after alerting his uncle, I was called out to relocate the snake who had gone further down the side of the building and settled into a large pile of tile and brick materials. After the snake was contained they pointed out a Chuckwalla who sleeps every night between the gap along the side of the garage 😍 . The snake was released far from buildings within its home range into this cozy packrat nest for continued food and shelter. – Alivia
We added material to an existing fence to make it so that rattlesnakes in the yard are no longer a thing. This summer is going to be a lot less stressful for me than last year!
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
A homeowner called after finding a Gila Monster relaxing in his kitchen. The home was undergoing a kitchen remodel, and he believes contractors had left a door open, giving this beautiful lizard an opportunity to wander inside. Knowing it couldn’t stay, the homeowner called us right away. When we arrived, we carefully secured the Gila Monster using a hook and tongs to fully support and balance its body while gently placing it into a bucket. After offering the animal some water, we took a short hike into suitable nearby habitat and located a deep den that would provide excellent shelter from the summer heat. The Gila Monster was released into the den within its estimated home range, where it can continue living its wild life in appropriate habitat.
Josh received a call from a homeowner who had found a Sonoran Gophersnake sticking its head out of an irrigation valve box in the backyard. Unsure if it was a rattlesnake, the homeowner called for help and described the snake over the phone. Based on the description, Josh explained that it sounded like a Sonoran Gophersnake and reassured him that these snakes are harmless and beneficial for rodent control.
As they were talking, the situation became a little more interesting. The homeowner suddenly spotted a large adult Western Diamondback Rattlesnake cruising through the grass straight toward the irrigation box. Josh immediately headed that way.
While he was en route, the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake apparently decided it wanted to share accommodations with the Sonoran Gophersnake and joined it inside the irrigation box. Upon arrival, Josh carefully opened the lid using his tongs and found both snakes together inside.
The homeowner was happy to leave the Sonoran Gophersnake where it was but requested that the rattlesnake be removed. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was safely secured and released to a wash within its estimated home range, where it quickly disappeared into a deep rodent burrow.
A young Western Diamondback Rattlesnake relocated by Jon in Carefree recently.
Jeff responds to a large warehouse facility where a security guard spotted a Mojave rattlesnake caught in a rat trap. The snake had likely traveled from nearby native habitat across the street before finding itself in trouble.
Later that night, Bryan heads out to look for rattlesnakes but is interrupted by an unexpected call close to home. A rattlesnake has been found in a backyard, turning a night of searching into a night of relocations.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake had just finished consuming a cottontail when it was found by homeowners, and subsequently got to meet Dave and his red bucket. Extra care was taken during the capture and release to make sure the snake did not lose such an important, large meal, and that the mammal didn’t lose its life for no reason.
Heading home from a snake relocation, Dave came across this Sonoran Gophersnake cruising across the road. Often times, on days where our hotline is busy, it’s not a surprise to see several wild reptiles during the the course of the day just from being out in habitat. This one did not need any assistance getting off the road.
Dave had been called out to a home in Marana for a Gila Monster, but despite an extensive search, it was nowhere to be found. Several hours later, he received a second call when the Gila Monster made another appearance and was spotted heading toward the front porch. Fortunately, this time it stayed put long enough to be safely located and removed. The surrounding area offered plenty of suitable habitat, and the animal was released to an area within its estimated home range, with extra care to find the right location.
