A North Phoenix homeowner spotted this large Western Diamondback Rattlesnake enjoying a Gambel’s Quail on the patio and gave us a call to have it safely relocated. Jon arrived to find the snake still in possession of its hard-earned meal and quickly secured it for transport.
Unfortunately, the rattlesnake regurgitated the quail during the ride to its release site, something that can occasionally happen when a snake is stressed after feeding. The quail was left very close to the release area in hopes the snake would be able to resume its meal once it had settled into its new surroundings. The Western Diamondback was then released into suitable habitat within its estimated home range.