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
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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
Living in Arizona means that running into a snake is always a possibility. Fortunately, the violent times of the past have largely given way to smarter methods of dealing with the issue. This includes snake relocation and prevention, and we are thankful to work with homeowners every day who choose these options. Here are just a few of the situations where we’ve been called to assist during the month of June, 2024.
CJ was called to Cave Creek to pick up this defensive Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in the backyard. He found a great new spot for it, deep in a packrat nest shaded by Ironwood. These animals would prefer not meet people of course, but they’ve been handed an often unwinnable situation. Fortunately, there are understanding homeowners who choose to peacefully resolve the situation.
A big Sonoran Gophersnake found hanging out in a garage in the Catalina Foothills. They’re not harmful animals, but it’s understandable that people may not want to share space with them. The snake was provided an alternative hiding spot.
A handful of Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnakes from recent relocations.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake resting on the patio of a Marana home recently. Nik came to assist.
A late night Western Diamondback Rattlesnake call in an unexpected part of the city. The area was nearly entirely urbanized except a small fragment of native habitat not too far away where a small population apparently has managed to persist. CJ managed to find access and get the snake back to its home to resume its very sneaky life.
Backyards at new homes adjacent to native habitat will be visited by wildlife, including rattlesnakes. Or in this instance, ‘would be’ is a more accurate term.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake sent Nik on a call to the direct center of an apartment complex. The entire outer habitat had been deleted, and it had managed to survive in the landscaping. Fortunately the neighbors called to have it removed, and a release site was carefully selected where it can hopefully live a long, bulldozer free life.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found its way from a wash to the courtyard of this Scottsdale home. The dense boxwood and higher ambient humidity can’t be ignored by wildlife fighting to stay alive in the Arizona summer. CJ was careful to find the perfect release site where it could continue to aestivate safely. This not only increases the chances of the snake’s continued success but reduces the likelihood of future conflict with people.
A dog was bitten at a dog park, and the dog owner brought the rattlesnake to the emergency vet. The vet then called our hotline, and CJ went out to return the snake to a suitable situation back within its estimated home range. For a release site, he found a deep cave in an arroyo wall.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake showed up on the patio just as family was arriving for a visit. Nobody was happy about it. CJ found it a great new location at the nearby preserve.
From Savannah: “This goofy pool noodle was found at a house in Mesa right next to an undeveloped dirt field, across from county land. Upon arrival, I was concerned because they had lost sight of the snake. But after searching for a couple minutes we found both the giant rat this snake was after AND this guy in their shed where there was more evidence of rodents. They were treating the rodent issue unsuccessfully with a bait station outside the shed. I explained how snakes are attracted to rodents as a primary food source and suggested a fencing consultation, removing the rodent habitat (shed and yard items), and removing any outside water or food that would continue to attract rodents. Snake was taken near a wash on a much larger piece of county land nearby, south of where it was found.”
A Cave Creek homeowner was watering her garden when she noticed an odd rock. The rock, was of course not a rock, but a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. The snake was taking advantage of the cool cover and high humidity of the garden, which is what they’d do in the wild in a similar situation. Marissa captured the snake and relocated it to a carefully selected location, releasing directly into deep cover.
From Marissa: “The homeowner was walking back from getting the mail in a Chandler neighborhood when she saw a snake’s head poke out from a very large, overgrown lantana bush in her front yard. I regret not taking a picture of it. It took me a good 30 minutes to work my way through the lantana before I spotted this beautiful, large gopher snake. It attracted the attention of all the neighbors. Some of them wanted to keep the snake, while others didn’t. I decided not to disturb it, so it could continue living its life as it knew how.
This particular snake was very dull in color compared to most Sonoran Gophersnakes in the area. While it may just be a unique individual, it could also be Axanthism, or a mutaion which causes the suppression of yellow pigment. Either way, this giant was released unharmed back to its native environment.
From the patio, the new rattlesnake fence installed on this view fence is invisible. The coated black mesh is quite an upgrade for those who prefer the newly-safe backyard to look the same … and HOA communities 😉
Dogs barking a ‘different’ bark in the backyard alerted the homeowner to this small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake on the patio. The snake was easily captured and relocated to suitable microhabitat within its estimated home range.
From Marissa: “Earlier in the morning the homeowner was out with his dog in the back yard when they ran into a rattlesnake and his dog was bitten. He rushed his dog to the vet which ended up being ok but didn’t know where the snake had went. This home backs up to a mountain preserve, so I wasn’t sure if the snake had stuck around, but after searching the whole yard, I checked one last place behind a box on the back patio, and there it was.”
Rattlesnake Fencing added to a unique backyard situation, leaving no gap small enough for the tiniest baby rattlesnake to get through or low enough for the largest to climb over.
Both the Sonoran Gophersnake and the person that came to take it off the patio were pretty exciting to this little guy.
A homeowner spotted a Sonoran Gophersnake while watering a palmtree over a wall. But, the drain the snake was hiding in was too small, and it eventually came out to be taken to a better situation by Marissa.
Thankfully, the sign is just a joke. This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found digesting a meal on a well-shaded back patio in north Phoenix.
Some Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnakes from recent relocations around the south end of Phoenix.
A Phoenix homeowner was out in the backyard with her dog when she noticed it messing with something. Thankfully, she got there fast enough to get the dog inside after seeing that it was a Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake.
Security guards at a hotel in Phoenix saw this Speckled Rattlesnake crossing a roadway. By the time Bryce got there to capture it, it had coiled into this shaded space in adjacent rocks, where it would have likely spent much of the day. With the heat, careful consideration is necessary for relocations like this, and the snake was relocated to specific microhabitat where it can survive.
From Jeff: “Had a fun back and forth with this one. Went out to Florence to look for a Gophersnake that wasn’t watched and disappeared by the time I arrived. I searched all over the place, including the next door neighbor’s yard to no avail. I was confused because it was 108 outside and it could not have gotten far. As soon as I got home and started office work, I was called back because the snake was right back where it was originally. Turns out, the steel door frame was not capped at the bottom and it was hiding there. When I arrived it had almost given me the slip again in the door. With some gentle coaxing it eventually came out.”
From CJ: “Little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was having a mouse meal in a horse stall when the customers found him. Customer said that they’ve had several rattlesnakes on the property throughout the years and someone in the household would always dispatch them with a shovel. The customer who called stated they always felt bad because they knew the snakes meant no harm so they decided to call RS this time. Was able to talk conservation for a bit before seeing this guy off to a good home underneath a big palo verde nearby. Cave Creek.”
Some of a newly rattlesnake-fenced property near Tucson. This one used black coated steel to blend into the existing aesthetic and become barely visible, if that. There’s a lot more to it than it seems, and when it’s all done this backyard is in a much safer situation than it was before.
This little Sonoran Gophersnake was found at a home on a rocky yillside in Williamson Valley. The hole was in a shaded are between the home and the AC unit. When it’s hot, places to stay cool are great resources for snakes and other wildlife. Dane moved this one to a better situation.
This little Sonoran Gophersnake was found at a home on a rocky yillside in Williamson Valley. The hole was in a shaded are between the home and the AC unit. When it’s hot, places to stay cool are great resources for snakes and other wildlife. Dane moved this one to a better situation.
This heavily gravid Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is about to pop any minute, as many are around the state. CJ found her in an area where another had been seen days before in north Phoenix, and relocated her carefully to a place where she can safely have her babies.
From Tim on our overnight hotline: “A girl near the pool at the resort in Phoenix said, “Dad, look at that big snake!” Needless to say, we came. We saw. We captured. We relocated. Who ya gonna call? “
This Tiger Rattlesnake was waiting out a heavy rain at an Oro Valley entryway. Nik helped find it a better spot to hang out.
A recent Rattlesnake Fence project completed near Tucson. It’s not as visible as many people (HOAs) often think it is, providing the most effective division between rattlesnakes and the patio possible without changing how things look.
It took two visits to a packed two-car garage and workshop to locate this Mojave Rattlesnake in the Prescott Valley area. Dane eventually found it behind a tablesaw, and relocated it to a carefully selected site.
Dave found this adult Western Diamondback Rattlesnake using a deck and cover with a water leak as a summer aestivation site. It was carefully captured and relocated to a suitable replacement. Working within this aspect of the animal’s natural history is essential to its survival.
There may be a day when we don’t get a rattlesnake out of a garage somewhere in the state, but today isn’t that day.
Standard garage Western Diamondback Rattlesnake relocated by Dave in Tuscon recently.
This small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake disappeared when the homeowner went to call our hotline, but Dave was able to find it behind some pots. With the temperature approaching 110˚F when he arrived, its hiding location was pretty predictable.
Sometimes we don’t even get to ring the doorbell before a rattlesnake ends up in the bucket. This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was there to greet Dave as he arrived, making for a quick and easy relocation.
A homeowner in Queen Creek called in with a report of this California Kingsnake that had caught a Tiger Whiptail on their patio. Jeff went out to help the snake to a different spot, carefully handling it so that its prey stayed in place. When he got there, the lizard’s tail was still sticking out of its mouth like Sonoran spaghetti.
This little Gila Monster was stuck in a backyard in Tucson. Nik went out to help it back to suitable habitat before it could have a bad run in with the family dog. Gila Monsters require very specific habitat and require special care when being worked with.
This Mojave Rattlesnake wasn’t super excited about being captured, not understanding the common alternative. Nik relocated it to the correct habitat for the species.
A homeowner called in after her dog was bitten by a rattlesnake•. Marissa was called out a few days later to see if the snake was still in the area. When she got there, the situation was obvious: dense, thick landscaping. Common plants like lantana and natal plum create cool cover that rattlesnakes and other animals often find useful as long term homes. That was the case here – not only did she find one rattlesnake, but another one hanging out as well.
This is an excellent example of a common saying of ours “the snake is the symptom” – regardless of these two snakes being moved away, the real issue remains: supporting habitat. The homeowner was informed of the situation.
•Note: Unless the information is offered outside of educational support to the homeowner, we typically do not later inquire about bite situations unless information is requested. These can be sensitive situations, and sometimes our job is knowing when it’s appropriate to neither ask or report.
This Mojave Rattlesnake was found at a construction site. It had been run over by a vehicle, receiving injuries that may not be survivable.
Some photos from the post-installation quality inspection from a recent Rattlesnake Fencing installation from Brent and Bre! Looks great, when it looks like anything at all 😉
This pretty little Speckled Rattlesnake was hanging out on a cool patio on a very hot Arizona summer day. The home was up on a mountainside, where this species is common. It was tagged, then released to suitable cover for the species and time of year – if we see this snake again, it will not likely be at this same home.
The family dogs notified the homeowner to a snake in the yard. They thought it was a rattlesnake until Marissa was able to catch it, and show that it was just a Sonoran Gophersnake making a lot of noise. There was also a Sonoran Desert Toad by the door, so they got to be best friends for a short time during transport.
This Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake was enjoying the cool, freshly watered grass at a home backing up to the preserve. But with people active in the area, relaxing time was over and the snake was moved to a carefully selected spot back in the desert.
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake taking the welcome mat literally in Peoria.
A newly developed neighborhood with desert all around meeting the existing residents. As the valley continues to develop westward, these situations will become increasingly common there. This one was relocated to some of the remaining natural habitat, and the new homeowners are keeping our number handy.
Marissa said “I was going to release a snake when I had to hop over this pancake posted up early morning.”
A standard gate with some barely-visible additions that will keep this pool area rattlesnake free from now on.
This Mojave Rattlesnake laid in this exact spot while Bryce made a long run to Mesa. It didn’t appear to be injured or anything and acted perfectly normal upon capture.
Nik was called to an overnight relocation at a home in the Catalina Foothills. Along with the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, he found a kingsnake cruising the property. One got to stay, the other went with Nik. Any guesses which?
This sizeable Arizona Black Rattlesnake had been hanging out for a few days on a hillside home near Dewey before the homeowner decided it was time to move along. Dane helped find it the perfect location.
These four Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnakes were captured in the same location over a couple of visits. We implanted passive radio transmitters and released them together to carefully selected microhabitat. We’ll see them again, but most likely in a subsequent survey of the release canyon than any other scenario.
Marissa caught this feisty Western Patchnosed Snake in front of a business in Ahwatukee. She managed to get it out of some bushes and release it to a better situation.
A Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake rattled at an Ahwatukee homeowner as they entered the garage. The door had been left open the day before, providing an easy hiding spot to stay out of the sun for the day. It was captured safely and relocated back to suitable habitat.
Another rattlesnake fence installation that is difficult to see without specifically looking for it. There are a lot of fence styles out there, each with its own necessary methods and materials to make sure the rattlesnake-excluding standards we’ve developed are in place.
Why were the quail at this Fountain Hills home going nuts? The rattlesnake hiding in the bush! It was relocated safely.
It’s toad time! These two Sonoran Desert Toads had been hanging out in backyards for a few weeks. With a couple of dogs in the yard, they got a ride to another situation where they can survive. These toads can be very dangerous to dogs.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake took a dive when trying to get a drink, and wasn’t able to get out. Thankfully the homeowners spotted it and called Bryce out to help it to a better situation.
A young Western Diamondback Rattlesnake from a Cave Creek back patio. The homeowners were scheduled to have rattlesnake fencing installed, and this little one thought he’d get one last time in the yard before it’s a no-rattlesnakes zone. Bryce relocated it to a carefully selected location.
A courtyard with materials added to deny entry to rattlesnakes in an inviting, shaded area.
A gravid (pregnant) Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was spotted cruising around the shaded area near a pool. When it’s this hot, these situations emulate natural aestivation areas and rattlesnakes are often encountered at homes. She was safely captured by our team and relocated to a carefully selected microhabitat to wait out the heat and eventually give birth.
One of our favorites, and not one we relocate too often considering how common they are: a Tiger Rattlesnake! Dave relocated this one from guest housing at a Tucson area golf resort. Despite the guest’s demands that it be “dispatched”, the resort know what’s up and helped Dave find a suitable site to relocate the snake.
A few recent Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes as found by Dave on recent relocation calls around Tucson.
A Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake seen by an Ahwatukee homeowner as they pulled into their driveway. It then went into the backyard and cruised around for a bit before coming back to the front, which is where Marissa found it upon arrival. It was safely relocated to carefully selected habitat.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found in a hallway of an apartment complex in Phoenix. Many of these new complexes are built adjacent to large areas of state land and provide rattlesnake-friendly landscaping. The inevitable, and optional, result are encounters like this. The snake was safely relocated and no others were found.
An interesting Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake found at a home in Ahwatukee. It’s pattern is disrupted in several places, leaving open patches of orange on its head and and an overall more mottled, chaotic pattern than is typical in the area. The tongue is also pink with white tips.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in a Cave Creek backyard enjoying the cool lawn. When it’s hot, it’s not uncommon for us to be called out to capture rattlesnakes sitting in the wide open like this, usually right after the sprinklers have finished up. I think right now anyone in Arizona would do the same 😉
A little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake taking advantage of a shady spot with a little added moisture under a hose. Marana, AZ.
Do a kick flip! A radical little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in an Oro Valley garage.
While releasing a rattlesnake after a recent capture in Oro Valley, Nik saw confirmation that he was in suitable habitat for the species and time of year – a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake coiled in ambush, waiting for a rodent or bird to come along. While we normally never disturb situations like this, the snake was on a busy trail frequented by runners, so it was moved a short distance as well.
A small Mojave rattlesnake on a doorstep near Three Points. The home, which didn’t exist a month prior, will likely experience continued encounters with confused wildlife for several years. Landscaping decisions, rattlesnake fencing, and continued education can be essential aspects of safe and sustainable coexistence in such situations. Nik relocated this one to suitable microhabitat.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnakehad managed to go up a dozen steps to the front door to hang out. Justin helped find it a better spot.
A recent rattlesnake fence project completed in the Tucson area.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in a corner near a front door. This is a surprisingly common situation. Despite this, the homeowners typically discover the snake on the way BACK, having stepped over it initially. This one was safely captured and relocated by Dave in Tucson.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in ambush in some erosion control rocks in a Tucson front yard. Relocated to a better situation.
Our Tucson hotline got a call for a Sonoran Gophersnake stuck in a rodent trap along with an unknown second reptile. Dave was able to free the snake, which has a good chance of recovering despite some broken ribs. The other was a Tiger Whiptail lizard, which was also carefully removed. Both were given water, which they quickly drank up, before they went off into natural habitat.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake from Cave Creek:
Some recent rattlesnake fencing installation work from our team in Tucson. This property is ready for rattlesnake baby season.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
This giant Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was as big as the lid of Nik’s bucket. This one wasn’t the relocated snake, however, but one he found while on the release. The presence of wild rattlesnakes at a release site is a great indicator we’ve selected the right location.
This pretty, young Mojave Rattlesnake was relocated from a residential property in the Phoenix area by Tim. As we often discuss, Mojave Rattlesnakes in our area are seldom green, with this rich brown color being more typical. While some do have a greenish tint, the common misbelief that this color is diagnostic for the species is false.
Upgrades to this outer fence will make this fall less rattlesnakey this year. From our Tucson team.
A little Western Diamondback Rattlesnakehiding out in the shade cast by a backyard grill. Relocated to a better situation by Marissa.
This Sonoran Gophersnake found a group of eggs in a Scottsdale backyard. It was safely escorted, along with its quail omelet, to suitable nearby habitat.
A tiny juvenile Gila Monster found very far into an entirely developed neighborhood. It had been seen a few weeks prior, and had managed to survive despite no nearby habitat at all. How it got to this location is a mystery.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was in a Mesa warehouse, pretty far away from the nearest suitable habitat. It had to have crossed a freeway and quite a lot of entirely urbanized area to get here. Everyone, including the snake, are likely happy to have this situation resolved.
Made in the shade.
The NUMBER ONE rattlesnake fence principle:
The perimeter of a protected area must be entirely protected. Not just the gates, not just the fence along the back with the sides open … the entire thing. A partial job is not a rattlesnake deterrent but becomes an effective rattlesnake trap. If you’re talked into a partial project, the chances for a rattlesnake encounter in your backyard can actually go up dramatically.
This one is done right: all the way around, no openings at all, and using the proper materials and methods.
A little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake waiting out the heat of the day in this shady area alongside a Mesa home.
A dog found this California Kingsnake in the backyard. It went down a hole and there was some concern it wouldn’t be able to be retrieved safely … but it had apparently found a back door and was just slithering towards Marissa when she arrived. It would be great if they were all that easy.
Welcome to Scottsdale! This scene – a small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hiding out in the corner of a shaded front entrance, is pretty common.
The homeowner already had this Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake in a bucket by the time Marissa got there! This brightly colored snake was at a home high on a hillside of rock the same color. It was tagged and released within the preserve to carefully selected microhabitat.
Some free water in the backyard was a great resource for this Speckled Ratlesnake. After it had been there for a few days, the homeowners decided it should move along.
Marissa took it to seasonally appropriate microhabitat for the species. This careful consideration during the relocation process is essential for the animal to survive.
A north Phoenix homeowner saw this small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake crawl into the garage through a gap take a rest in the corner. The snake was carefully relocated, and “fix the garage door” was added to the weekend task list.
A Desert Nightsnake got stuck in a garage sticky tarp. Thankfully, it was found in time to be saved and relocated elsewhere. These small, entirely harmless snakes are often killed in traps like this. Ironically, they are predators of the pests that the traps are meant for, possibly resulting in a net negative effect towards the original goal.
A homeowner spotted a Gila Monster scampering into the garage when the door opened. It retreated under a car, and stayed there in a defensive mode. Nik was called out to help it back to the nearby hillside. While he was releasing it, he saw another one 🙂
Dave ran out to get this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, which was tucked away in a cactus. A few years before, he was at the this property and removed a mating pair from the same exact spot.
Rattlesnake Fence installation, designed and tested specifically for Arizona rattlesnakes. Here’s a recent project in the Tucson area, completed top to bottom by avid herpers.
One of several Sonoran Desert Sidewinders moved off a roadway by Dave a few weeks back. This one coiled in front of a rodent burrow instead of retreating.
The first rattlesnake seen by a homeowner in decades of living in the Tucson desert. They followed the snake to a hiding spot, where Dave was able to find it and relocate it to a better situation.
Some serious mastery going on here with our Tucson rattlesnake fence install crew. Keeping rattlesnakes out of the yard doesn’t mean it has to look bad.
While Jeff was checking out a property to write up a Rattlesnake Fence estimate, he noticed the reason for his visit: a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hiding out in a drainblock. Jeff caught the snake, relocated it to another area, and then emailed an estimate and description of work that would prevent such situations in the future. It helps to have a crew that really knows their snakes!
A homeowner near Tucson followed a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, which eventually settled in under some boxes in the yard. Dave was called out to capture the rattlesnake and search the property. He also found a California Kingsnake cruising around in the front yard. After a discussion with the homeowner, the kingsnake stayed, and the rattlesnake was taken to a carefully selected replacement hiding spot.
From Dave: “Yesterday, and for the second year in a row, Tucson experienced some rare mid-May moisture. Showers were spotty, but heavy in some areas. This Diamondback had escaped into the corner of this porch where lots of items were stored, but the possibility of rehydrating made it throw caution to the wind despite my customer watching from a short distance away. Ah…water. It does a body good!”
Dave went out to a repeat customer’s home to retrieve this rattlesnake hiding out in the shade provided by a grill. When temperatures are like they are, any cover will do.
More recent work from the most experienced rattlesnake fence installation crew there is. Every day, more and more homeowners make the decision to live safely and at peace with the local wildlife by taking simple preventative action.
This large Arizona Black Rattlesnake was seen twice in as many days on a hillside in Dewey before calling our Prescott branch for relocation. Dane captured it safely and released to carefully selected microhabitat within its estimated home range.
The homeowner walked right by this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake coming home at night. CJ said the snake was rattling the entire time, from before he stepped out of the car to when he watched it disappear into this packrat nest.
Packrat nests are great spots for relocations much of the time. Rattlesnakes naturally use them throughout the year as hideaways. And don’t worry about the rodents – the relationship is complicated, but the rattlesnakes aren’t likely eating their roommates.
Our Tucson hotline was called by a warehouse distribution center with a snake inside the building. Dave arrived and was told that the snake dropped from the ceiling … which does happen from time to time in commercial and industrial buildings. The snake had disappeared by then, but the next day it was spotted again, and Dave was able to get out there and get it. He had expected a gophersnake or kingsnake, but instead relocated this beautiful red and black Coachwhip.
A Sonoran Gophersnake crashed a party at an AirBnB a few weeks back. The area was entirely urbanized, but gophersnakes are just fine with that. It was likely thriving at an adjacent golf course, which is where CJ returned it to.
A recent side gate with some new tricks: rattlesnake fencing installed by our crew. With no gap larger than 1/4″, even a newborn rattlesnake won’t be crawling through.
An early morning call to our Tucson line for a snake in a garage ended up being this Western Banded Gecko. This is actually not an entirely rare thing – these little guys are mistaken for everything from baby Gila Monsters to rattlesnakes.
Why are we so adamant about snake fence standards and complete perimeters? Exhibit A: a large Western Diamondback Rattlesnake we were called out to capture in a backyard with the handyman special attached to the fence. With the gates and expansion joints incomplete and other issues, the backyard had become an effective rattlesnake trap rather than a deterrent.
Why are we so adamant about snake fence standards and complete perimeters? Exhibit A: a large Western Diamondback Rattlesnake we were called out to capture in a backyard with the handyman special attached to the fence. With the gates and expansion joints incomplete and other issues, the backyard had become an effective rattlesnake trap rather than a deterrent.
No, this isn’t evidence that “snake fencing don’t work!”, but a reminder that it is specialty work with a very big drop off between correct and incorrect application. It’s something we take very seriously because of situations like this one, which we see every single day.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was discovered near the shaded, walled-in area for dumpsters. The homeowners watched it crawl out, apparently searching for something. Just before Dave arrived to relocate it, the homeowner noticed what the snake was looking for nearby: a freshly killed mouse. She tossed it over near the snake, who quickly got to work swallowing it. The snake was relocated after that to a carefully selected location.
This beautiful Kingsnake with vibrant yellow bands found something to eat while Dave was on route to move it to another area.
Some recent snake relocations that AREN’T Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes. Can you identify these?
And a bunch of Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes:
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hanging out near a carport in Tucson. It was relocated to a better spot.
A newly sealed gate that no rattlesnake of any size will be getting through.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in a common encounter location: under a trash can found on trash day morning. It’s also a reminder to wear shoes when taking out the trash, and always use a flashlight if you’re the taking-it-out-the-night-before type. This one was relocated to a better spot.
This Sonoran Gophersnake was hanging out in a garage digesting a meal when the homeowner spotted it. There were some large gaps in the garage door that allowed easy entry.
Hint: this is your reminder to check your garage doors for gaps 😉
Some recent near-deaths in glue traps, which we were fortunately able to resolve before the animals died. If you have these in your garage right now, please consider another way.
A Sonoran Gophersnake that was called in as a rattlesnake. The homeowner noticed it while taking the trash out. With a generalist pattern and tendency to make a lot of noise when defensive, it is easy to see why some might initially think these harmless snakes are rattlesnakes.
A Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake discovered by a resident of Awhatukee while taking out the trash. These snakes are very common in the area, but like most long-term residents there, this is the first ever seen by the homeowner.
This Desert Nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea) was found in a Marana home behind some furniture. They’re harmless, and often found inside homes like this for a variety of reasons. It was released back to better surroundings.
Stuff stored outside can be useful to a rattlesnake. Dave relocated this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake from a situation where it was taking temporary cover on the last cold snap of the year. He released it to a carefully selected location that emulates the conditions of capture.
CJ chased this Coachwhip around a backyard for about 5 minutes before it darted into a hesperaloe, where he spent anotherd 10 minutes trying to fish it out. He eventually got it into a bucket and relocated to deep cover within its estimated home range.
Even from this close, the rattlesnake fencing applied to this backyard is very difficult to see. It’s easy to forget about, and so are the rattlesnakes that used to spend time hanging out on that shaded patio.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
A coachwhip captured by Justin under a backyard grill. These fast snakes are harmless and even eat rattlesnakes, but this is one of the instances when moving it is undoubtedly justified (unless a dead snake under the grill is a new trending hobby).
An employee at a storage facility went to throw the trash in the dumpster when she noticed this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake coiled in the shade. Glendale, Arizona.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake had been using this rock pile for at least a week, according to the homeowner, before she decided it was probably time to have it moved elsewhere. When Marissa examined the situation, she found a second rattlesnake also using it. This kind of erosion control is extremely attractive to snakes of all kinds, especially when piled multiple layers deep.
Newly applied rattlesnake fencing at this property in Tucson. Around the entier perimeter, no openings large enough for even the smallest newborn rattlesnake are allowed, including the gates.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was hiding out in a little cave under a pool water feature. It took some work, but Marissa was able to get it out of there and to a better, more natural cave. This is a very common thing to happen in Scottsdale.
Lantana may be the most common landscaping feature in Arizona. It’s also incredibly useful to a variety of animals, including snakes. The tendency for this plant to be over-watered and leave a deep layer of decomposed leaf litter make it a favorite place to hide away. Here’s a Sonoran Gophersnake that was initially seen by the front door of a home, but went to hide in a lantana by the time Marissa arrived.
The “better mouse trap”. This Sonoran Gophersnake was discovered by a pest control operator, having gotten itself trapped in a box intended for rodents. The injuries were, thankfully, superficial and it was released immediately.
A little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake taking it easy behind some bushes near a north Phoenix front door. This area is useful to rattlesnakes, providing shade and a source of moisture as we enter our brutally hot summer.
An old gate gets some new tricks: materials added to prevent entry by rattlesnakes from the tiniest newborn to the oldest and largest adults.
Licensed, bonded and insured (AZROC #321123) and guaranteed by two warranties.
A homeowner noticed something funny about the space between the door and walkway. She called us out, and Marissa was able to extract and relocate a small kingsnake.
A shady spot at a horse property made a temporary hiding spot after an encounter with a baby horse. Thankfully, everyone is ok, and the snake was relocated safely elsewhere.
A homeowner found a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake stuck in a glue trap in the garage. When Marissa got there to rescue it, she also found a Desert Spiny Lizard. Thankfully, both were rescued.
The landscapers saw these two big gophersnakes under a tree. The area is entirely urbanized with no nearby native habitat, but a golf course provides a good life for these snakes. Gophersnakes are one of a handful of species which have thrived in entirely developed parts of the city.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found enjoying a nice day on a Cave Creek patio. It was relocated to a better location.
Some Western Diamondback Rattlesnake variety from recent relocation calls. This species is, by far, the most common snake we are called to relocate.
A recently completed rattlesnake fence installation in Tucson. Each property has its own challenges, and others are more by the book. In each instance, the standards necessary to prevent a rattlesnake from climbing or squeezing in are the same, and we find a way.
This Sonoran Sidewinder was found in a developed part of Peoria, the entirety of its native habitat newly converted to homes. How it survived in this area for so long is a surprise. These snakes are highly specialized and do not do well in new situations. The relocation needed to be further away than we’d prefer, but these quickly expanding areas of the valley give no options.
From Marissa: “A week prior, the homeowner was in her garden, and she said she nearly touched this rattlesnake. They thought it had left but discovered it coiled by the AC unit. This snake was a good mile from some desert. It had to cross a lot of homes and a busy road to get to this home. There was only one tiny area at the gate where it could get out, so I think it was trapped more in the backyard. Scottsdale.”
While relocating the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (in the bucket), Nik found another rattlesnake out in ambush on the way. He also found this cool little snake that we rarely see.
Nathan and Michael did an amazing job on this new installation near Tucson. The amount of work that goes into properly installing rattlesnake fencing around a property like this is crazy. Soft soil and chain link fence are prone to rodent digging and erosion, so every bit of steel installed needs to be not only trenched in deep, but done so in a way we’ve figured out that stops rodents from even trying to get in.
From CJ: “Little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake from a repeat customer’s home. This was the customer’s 2nd snake in about a week, and they reported finding it in the same spot as the first- in a corner of the patio under a drainage pipe on the north side of the home. By the time I got there it had moved across the turf and found refuge under a play slide. Relocated to an old pack rat midden underneath an ironwood tree in nearby habitat. Scottsdale.”
This Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake was relocated from a home in Paradise Valley. There are a number of drainages in the area where the rattlesnakes have had their rattles removed. While it can’t be said for sure, I suspect human involvement.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake removal in Tucson gathered a small crowd before Nik got there to assist. The snake had sustained a tail injury from rocks thrown by an onlooker. Fortunately, the wound was superficial and the snake was released quickly after capture.
A courtyard gate modified to keep rattlesnakes out. Brent used low profile and color matched materials to make sure the entryway looks just as good as before, but with some new tricks.
A homeowner who’d just moved to Arizona called to have a kingsnake relocate. As Nik was explaining the harmless and beneficial nature of the snake, he spotted a second kingsnake from the corner of his eye. Both were carefully located to a location within their estimated home range, suitable for the season and conditions.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was seen sitting in the cool grass in full sun, then made a slow crawl to the shade. That’s where it was when Dave arrived to relocated it to a better aestivation location.
Patios shaded by an overhang, especially north-facing, are common locations to find rattlesnakes during the summer. These situations emulate the natural shallow caves in drainages and deep canyons they use for the aestivation period each summer. Dave relocated this one from a home near Tucson recently, taking the snake to a deep packrat nest: another common microhabitat for this heat-avoidance activity.
The view from a backyard that won’t have any rattlesnake visitors. When even a short distance away, the materials used become almost invisible.
30 YEARS at this home, and this homeowner had neither seen a rattlesnake or heard of one in the neighborhood. With no natural desert within 5 miles, this snake is one of a likely small population that exists largely undetected within the large, heavily landscaped properties. This is similar to other situations we have found where Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes can survive in secretive groups within entirely developed areas.
A pair of large California Kingsnakes that Jeff recently relocated from a Gilbert property. While the smaller female was being watched by the homeowner, the larger male crawled right past his feet to sit with join her. Both were released together to carefully selected, seasonally appropriate microhabitat within their estimated homerange.
A beautiful young Mojave Rattlesnake from an expanding neighborhood in south Tucson. This little one sat like this while the homeowner watched until Nik arrived to move it elsewhere.
A big upgrade for this backyard: no rattlesnakes! Alongside passive methods like habitat reduction and landscaping changes, properly installed Rattlesnake Fencing is part of a safe and sustainable coexistence alongside native wildlife.
A rodent trap and the yet-to-be-improved-upon original.
Nik resolved this situation in a backyard in Tucson recently.
As they usually do, a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake took cover in a patio fridge/grill structure. These stand-alone units often provide easy cover for all kinds of animals, which includes rattlesnakes.
A beautiful cornsnake was spotted cruising around a Gilbert backyard. This is an escaped or released pet, and not what Marissa expected when heading out to capture an orange snake. It was taken to a local reptile shop which specializes in these kinds of pets so that it could be placed in a new home.
Materials added to this view fence, along with work on the gates, drains, and other entrances, will make this backyard less rattlesnake-friendly this year.
A small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake takes advantage of some shade before the area resembles the surface of the sun a few hours later. Summer is challenging for animals, and it’s no wonder they take advantage of generously supplied cover and water through unsealed backyards.
The family dogs discovered this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake taking advantage of a shaded patio. The homeowner was alarmed by the commotion, and thankfully, she got everyone inside before anyone was hurt. The snake was relocated to a safer situation for all involved.
Recent Western Diamondback Rattlesnake captures showing off some of the variability of pattern and color. Even within a small location, these snakes can be surprisingly diverse in appearance. All were relocated to carefully selected microhabitats based on the season and conditions.
Point of view from a backyard that rattlesnakes are unable to enter. The steel mesh installed by our Tucson team is nearly invisible unless you’re looking for it specifically. There’s a lot that goes into it, and we’re lucky to have the most experienced crew in the game working on it. This one was completed recently.
A Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake tucked into some pool equipment. This aestivation behavior places rattlesnakes in carefully selected locations where they can stay alive in brutal summer conditions. Pool pump areas, like this one, are one of our most common capture locations during the hotter months.
A previous customer texted Marissa photo of this California Kingsnake that had become stuck in a wall. It had a large meal in its belly, and was wedged in and unable to free itself. Thankfully, Marissa was able to carefully wiggle it out and release it without even losing its lunch.
A beautiful Sonoran Gophersnake on the back patio of a Laveen property. The homeowner was surprised by her visitor when she was watering some plants. It was captured safely and relocated to another spot within its estimated home range.
This big Sonoran Gophersnake was called in as a rattlesnake after it rattled its tail at the dogs. These snakes can make loud sounds to try and scare away predators, which is easily confused as a rattlesnake’s rattle.
Newly installed rattlesnake fencing will keep this backyard stress free this summer 🙂 In addition to keeping rattlesnakes out, this property will also see fewer rodents, toads, tarantulas, and all kinds of other things that many people tend to prefer stay outside.
A homeowner in Scottsdale was moving rocks for a new pipe and found a visitor. A young Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was hiding out in the cool hideaway. Marissa was called out to relocate it to suitable habitat.
A quick and easy capture of a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake at a property in Rio Verde yesterday. The snake was having a nice time in some well-watered raised garden boxes, and got a free ride to a packrat nest just elsewhere. If you’ll notice, too, the snake is more curious than anything by the whole situation, not even bothering to uncoil from its resting position.
We’re often asked “why doesn’t it bite the tongs!” – because when the tool is used as it should be, with just enough force to control and lift the animal, avoiding injury or undue stress, it’s often not treated as a big deal. Compare this with photos you may have seen of the fire department or similar, where the snake is gripped tightly behind the head, and it’s in a thrashing panic.
A trailer in Ahwatukee made for an easy shaded spot for this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. Justin moved it to a better area.
After cutting a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake out of some netting at a property near Tucson, Dave searched for others. He found a small Sonoran Gophersnake, barely visible here hiding beneath some dense vegetation. The homeowner opted to leave it there, which is the best outcome.
A small adult Western Diamondback Rattlesnake cruising through a backyard … which features a viewfence that is looking awfully devoid of certain rattlesnake prevention features *cough cough*
Dave relocated this one to a better situation. Marana, AZ.
The first Mojave Rattlesnake for CJ! He was called out to a home in north Phoenix and found this tiny rattlesnake hiding out in the bucket. Relocated to a deep hole under a creosote in a flat desert scrub.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found its way into an open garage, and had tucked itself behind the fridge when Bryce got there to help it along. Relocated to carefully selected conditions.
Some bucket shots from recent captures.
A rattlesnake call turned into a Sonoran Gophersnake run to this home in Tucson. This harmless snake was moved a short distance and the homeowner learned all about it.
A homeowner called from Picture Rocks reporting a rattlesnake. When Nik arrived, he found a mating pair under the house, just like this. They were carefully captured in that tight space and relocated together to a packrat nest to hopefully resume making more little rattlesnakes.
A call came in for what the homeowner thought to be two rattlesnakes, but it ended up being this gophersnake doing weird gophersnake things.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnakehiding out in front of a storage facility but moved to a nearby bush when Marissa was on the way. This is a new building surrounded entirely by desert, which will also become pavement in the near future.
A homeowner noticed she wasn’t alone when she went to water the tomatoes. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was tangled in netting, but fortunately seriously injured. Marissa was able to cut it out, then discovered a Sonoran Gophersnake watching the event from a nearby cactus.
New rattlesnake fencing installed at a dog park will make everyone breathe a little easier this summer.
A homeowner living alongside a desert preserve watched a pair of Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes make their way to this rock to mate. Marissa was called out and the snakes were moved to a better spot within the preserve to continue making more little rattlesnakes.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake made its way into this house through a door left open. It was discovered by the homeowners when it rattled at them in the livingroom. After it was captured, Marissa found another rattlesnake, stuck in a sticky trap in the garage. She was able to carefully rescue it, and both of the snakes were relocated to a better spot in the desert. Lessons learned all around about glue traps and leaving doors open in Arizona.
Dave found a small adult Western Diamondback Rattlesnake taking shelter beneath a large Buckhorn Cholla. I found it a nice well shaded pack rat nest near a wash in the surrounding desert.
The weekend after a rattlesnake in a yard prompted an estimate for rattlesnake fencing, Jill found this Sonoran Gophersnake while taking measurements. While Sonoran Gophersnakes are not targeted by rattlesnake fencing, it’s all a good indicator that this property is useful to snakes, and at least the buzzy ones will be prevented from visiting in the future.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake traveled from the house that called for service originally to the neighbors’ yard. Justin was thankfully able to find it after searching near the trash cans.
A homeowner was working on his Jeep when he noticed a visitor watching sharing the garage. A garage with an open door is just a shaded cave, and this snake thought it was a good spot to hide away for the day. Bryce went out and helped the snake find a better shady spot.
I think our sales team will kill me if I keep posting photos of recent rattlesnake fence projects with how in-demand the service is right now, but I can’t help it. This one out of Tucson is just perfect. That pool looks even better knowing the fence behind it will keep rattlesnakes out in the adjacent native habitat. Great work Nate and Michael.
From Bryce: “This goes on record as the chilliest coachwhip I’ve ever caught. Sat in one spot the whole forty minute drive I had over, and let me pick it up and release it with ease.”
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found inside a building. A worker met with Dave the next day and the snake was nowhere to be found. He did, however, see a trench running from some equipment to the outside of the building, which he followed out and found the snake under cover there. The snake was safely captured and the workers could get back to it knowing the building was free of rattlesnakes 🙂
An unfortunate situation near Tucson. This Sonoran Gophersnake was spotted near a loading dock with injuries, likely from a car. Despite being injured, we have seen these snakes survive some crazy situations, and Dave decided that it may have a chance if released. He found it a good spot to hide away and, hopefully, recover.
Two rattlesnakes captured on the same street on consecutive days in Tucson. Both were likely using the same major microhabitat features in the adjacent desert area. Understanding this is key to proper relocation activities, and informing homeowners of what can be done to prevent future encounters.
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake spotted in a well-kept garden in Catalina Foothills. Homeowner had been regularly trimming their bushes, but it was the first time they had seen a rattlesnake.
An adult Gila Monster that was found in the bathroom of an east Tucson home. It likely wandered in through one of the doors of the house, which were left open for the heat. It was given some water and released just down the wash from the house into carefully selected microhabitat.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was caught up in bird netting when it was found in a backyard. Bryce was able to very carefully get the snake out of it, and release the snake without major injury to a packrat nest within its estimated homerange.
Rattlesnake Fence must, beyond everything else, be functional. There is no next-best, no second place, or half measures – it’s a fully secured perimeter or it isn’t. This is why we are so strict with the situations and figures required to get the job done. There is much more going on than simply sticking metal to things 🙂 Here’s one recently completed by our Tucson team.
Bryce was called to a Phoenix backyard to deal with a pair of rattlesnakes. When he arrived, one of the snakes had already disappeared, but he managed to capture the other one that was still in the yard. While searching the property, he came across a dead ground squirrel, which was placed in a bucket to dispose of in the field. However, when he opened the bucket to release the snake, he found it eating the ground squirrel, which turned out to be a nice treat for the snake before its relocation.
From Bryce: “This was absolutely crazy…. A homeowner opened her garage for me to search in Scottsdale for a rattlesnake that couldn’t have really gone anywhere, and I was starting to scratch my head as to where this snake could’ve gone, given the relative emptiness and lack of hiding spots in the area. As I was speaking with the homeowner near the entrance to the garage, this snake fell from the top of the raised garage door about 10 feet down and landed within 3 feet of all of us, scaring the living daylights out of everyone. Evidently, it had been crawling along the rim of the garage door and must’ve taken a joyride up to the ceiling when the homeowner had opened it for me!”
A Longnosed Snake was found under an outdoor grill shade during the hottest part of the day. These snakes are nocturnal much of the year, but in the spring most encounters are during the daylight hours. It was relocated to deep tunnels under a creosote.
A big Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found cruising around a Scottsdale neighborhood.
From our internal Slack channel from Jill:
“Long story alert!!
I cannot say this with 100% certainty, but I may have bucketed a snake I’ve been looking for for 8yrs. I was called out in early March of 2016 to try and find a rattlesnake from the middle of Mesa. Most habitat gone in the area, I thought the school administrator was freaking out over a gopher. She sent me a blurry photo and it WAS an atrox. An animal that’d been seen by maintenance folk wintering there for 7 freaking years. I went back over and over…never found him. Fast forward to today- Marissa is called out by the new school admin to try and locate a large male cruising past the front door. He’d bolted in the commotion and she was unable to find him by the time she arrived. They requested a fencing estimate for the kids safety, so Brandon worked it so I could get out there today. I searched and searched during the estimate…no luck. Figured I’d give it another go tonight once kids/staff had left and sun was going down. The little (big) punk was finallllllly found. Real talk, it was a huge bummer to evict this guy. He’d managed to survive extreme habitat loss, insane traffic AND to coexist safely alongside tons of tiny humans for a very long time. His whole damn life. His/my choices came down to relocation or chance a meeting with the landscapers arriving tomorrow morning to collect the bounty. Decided it was time for him to go. Highest hopes that he’ll thrive in his new digs and never be bothered with the ridiculousness of human behavior again. He’s earned it. Solid team effort today between relocation and fencing! Big THANKS to @Marissa and @Brandon
!! Love love LOVE you both!! :)) “
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake captured by Tim, his first relocation call for 2024. Many more to come 🙂
This Coachwhip had been seen the day before, and the homeowner decided to let it stay where it was after discussing their harmless nature with Dave. However, after it was seen 3 more times over the next 24 hours, she decided it needed a ride to another spot.
Despite being entirely black, the subspecies of this Coachwhip is called a “Red Racer”—despite being neither red nor a racer. Meanwhile, other red snakes, like the Western Groundsnake, are often called red racers as well, becoming a colloquial bucket for any snake that might show a reddish hue. It tends to create confusion, which is why, for this animal, we typically just call it a Coachwhip.
A couple of Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes, photographed in the location they were found, at homes near Tucson in April. Both were safely relocated to carefully selected microhabitat that emulates the situation of capture.
A Kingsnake from the Tucson area, where their appearance can be variable. A discussion was had with the homeowner about keeping it around, especially since a rattlesnake was seen on the porch the previous fall, but she decided to have it moved.
More about why we sometimes relocate harmless snakes: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/snakeblog/rattlesnake-solutions/why-relocate-harmless-snakes/
A recent Rattlesnake Fence installation at a home in Tucson. At a height no rattlesnake can climb over and no space small enough even a new born can fit through, this summer will be less stressful than the last year for the homeowners and their dogs.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing:
A little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake using the shade alongside this house, using the hose for additional cover and maybe a little ambient moisture.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake that met the family dog the night before. It hid under patio furniture but disappeared by morning, when the homeowner called us. Dave went out and was able to find the snake hiding in a nearby lantana … as they often do. It was captured and relocated to carefully selected microhabitat.
Improperly applied snake fencing and the inevitable results.
Which feature immediately gives this snake fence away as an issue?
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found hiding out under some patio furniture. Captured and relocated by Dave to better conditions for all involved.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found outside a home, initially discovered in a playroom. It came through the house’s front door, which had been left open for a short time. The homeowners scared it outside, where Nik was able to find and capture it to be relocated elsewhere.
The modifications to this viewfence, made to keep rattlesnakes out of the yard, are just barely visible here. For the homeowner standing on the patio, it looks somewhere between invisible and a barely-seen gray haze. What they won’t see, however, are rattlesnakes in the backyard.
These two Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes were found under a board pile after one was spotted near the house. We were called out to capture the one, which ended up being two. Both were relocated safely elsewhere.
A homeowner went out into the garage and was immediately rattled at from near the door. The snake likely got in while the door was open for awhile the day before.
While walking around in the backyard at night, a homeowner and her dog were rattled at. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake had moved under a wheelbarrow to hide, too. That’s where it was found when Marissa arrived to help it find a new place to hang out.
And old gate gets new life with some rattlesnake prevention materials, attached on the inside of the gate so from the street you’d never know that rattlesnakes aren’t even an issue within.
A surprise visitor in a Cave Creek garage. The snake had been coming and going for quite some time through a gap under the seal in the corner.
A pair of colorful Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes near Tucson that were found in a garage. Note that both of them are hiding their heads before relocation. This is an aspect of defense and a sign of the stress of the event. As much as we can try to minimize it, relocation is a very scary experience for the snakes. Thankfully, they learn from these events, and will avoid it in the future.
From Bryce: “This one was a doozy, but a fun one for sure! Got a call around midnight for a rattlesnake sitting in a Buckeye resident’s front yard. By the time I got there, this Mojave Rattlesnake had just started crawling into the neighbor’s yard. Unbeknownst to me at the time, the concrete wall was hollow, and when I went to grab the snake, it slipped its way into the wall. Attempts to secure the snake with tongs and hooks were unsuccessful, so I resorted to watering it out. Admittedly, I wasn’t very hopeful that this call would go in my favor, as this snake had a perfect spot to spend the night in a spot that I couldn’t really get to. But finally, after what seemed like ages, our culprit got sick of being sprayed with water and made a dash for it, giving me an opportunity to bucket her before she could find her way into any more predicaments. “
A sneaky little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake that Dave caught on Tucson’s south side. That generalist pattern works about everywhere, including artificial terrain like this.
A call to the Tucson hotline for “three rattlesnakes” ended up being FIVE by the time Dave was done searching there. All were relocated together to carefully selected cover within their estimated home range.
The homeowner lost track of the snake while Dave was on route, but he found it hiding out in a rodent bait box.
A pest control operator in Scottsdale saw a rattlesnake in a backyard and notified the homeowners. A Property Inspection was scheduled, and Jeff went out to check the yard. He found a pair of mating Western Diamondback Rattlesnake under a bush. Also nearby: the actual problem. A packrat nest was hidden away, and likely where the rattlesnakes had been living.
Some Western Diamondback Rattlesnake diversity from recent relocation calls around Arizona.
It’s not all diamondbacks! Well … here’s one, but with a few friends who also show up at homes from time to time and got a ride back to the desert.
A perfect example of how rattlesnakes rely on camouflage to avoid predators. The owner of this home was putting up Halloween decorations and went up and down the ladder many times before realizing he had a visitor. Bryce was called out and the snake didn’t move until captured.This Sonoran Desert Toad was seen a few days before and showed up again in this old water feature. After we were called out to capture and relocate it, it was drained to prevent future visits.Rattlesnake in a bucketTiger Rattlesnake in a bucket
A large Mojave Rattlesnake at an industrial area in the east valley. Jeff helped find a new place to hang out. This one is the typical brown coloration of the area.
This little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was hanging out inside an apartment complex hallway, and was evicted back to the desert by Marissa.
A Mojave Rattlesnake alerted a homeowner to its presence when she was taking the trash out at night in Queen Creek.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was revealed when a homeowner moved a trash can away from a pool pump. This is not an uncommon sight in Scottsdale.
We were recently hired to inspect a property of a medical facility where several rattlesnakes had been spotted. Dave went out and was able to locate 3 Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes, and advise on situations that could be changed to avoid future encounters.
Here are those snakes on the way out, and the deep packrat nest where they were relocated to. By carefully selecting relocation sites and releasing them directly to deep cover, we can reduce the likelihood of panicked wandering behavior and help the snake survive the ordeal.
Derek was able to find a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in a backyard, where the dog had found it. Thankfully, there was no bite, and everyone (including the sanke) made it out of the situation unscathed.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake from a Cave Creek backyard. Spring is mating time, and it’s very often for us to find other rattlesnakes in association with females found on properties. This is one reason we often get right to checking the rest of the property after securing the snake we’re actually called out for. In this instance, she was alone.
A Mojave Rattlesnake from the east valley was relocated by Jeff recently.
If you’re currently typing out “I thought they were green!”, this is where you learn this is not the case in many, if not most, situations with this species in our region.
Dave went out to this property near Tucson after several rattlesnakes had been seen in the area, but none were on the surface that day. However, now in April, one rattlesnake was found near an obvious hibernacula with signs of long-term use. The snake was relocated, and the property owner knows what can be done to prevent their return in the fall.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found in the corner of a garage near Tucson, relocated elsewhere within its estimated home range into carefully selected habitat.
From CJ: “Long Western Diamondback Rattlesnake the other morning. When I arrived it was ready to vámanos from the front porch. Customer asked about rattlesnake eggs and I was able to provide education on rattlesnakes giving live birth and how many people think quail eggs are rattlesnake eggs. When doing the inspection, I stumbled upon a clutch of quail eggs in a planter and was able to point them out to the customer. North Scottsdale.”
Not rattlesnake eggs
Another backyard protected from rattlesnake visits this year. They can live on the other side of the fence, and everything works out just fine.
A new rattlesnake fence installation leaving no gaps large enough for a rattlesnake of any size to get in. Baylend took care of this one.
A pair of Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found recently outside the perimeter of a rattlesnake fence we installed. This prompted a call to relocate the snakes and check the interior area as well, but the fence had done its job and no snakes or issues were found within.
From CJ: “Gophersnake friend crashing the customer’s lounge time on the patio. Took him to the river bottom where there was a good pile of debris he could hang out in. Litchfield Park.”
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake had been hanging around on the back patio for a few days. Eventually, the homeowner called us to come out and help it move along. CJ found a nice packrat nest shaded by Palo Verde, where it was released directly to deep cover to help it survive the event.
Nik was called to this large Western Diamondback Rattlesnake a few blocks from a midtown neighborhood in Tucson. How it made it through all of the cars and human activity can’t be known, but Nik found the likely source and relocated the snake back to it.
A courtyard gate secured from entry by rattlesnakes recently by the team.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake kept playing hide and seek with the homeowners in a rodent hole at the base of this bush before it could be captured. This is in a new development in the northwest valley and conflict with wildlife will be high over the next several years, as both the animals and people who’ve moved there adjust.
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in a bucket.There it is, right next to the bush!
Nick said this was one of the most defensive rattlesnakes he’s ever worked with, repeatedly striking the inside of the bucket any time it was touched.
These two Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes were found together under an AC unit on a recent property inspection.
This little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was hiding out behind a decorative pot for the day out in Gold Canyon. Marissa went out to find it a new place.
A recent Rattlesnake Fence installation in Oracle, AZ from Nate that worked out amazingly all around. It’s hard to see (which is the point), and is made to look either invisible or as if it were always part of the structure.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
A mother in north Phoenix thought to check the yard before the kids went out to play, and it’s good she did. This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found hiding out near the AC unit. It was relocated to a better area.
A Mojave Rattlesnake found near a warehouse in Mesa. As you can see, they’re not always (or even often) green.
If this pot looks familiar, you’re not wrong. In a recent post you saw a young rattlesnake removed from behind it – another showed up a few days later to the same exact spot that was exactly the same size. It wasn’t the same snake, however, confirmed by comparing the tail bands. Apparently this pot is the spot.
Visible from an angle, this black steel will keep rattlesnakes from accessing the property. Installed by licensed and insured professionals (AZROC 321123)
This little Sonoran Gophersnake was called in as a rattlesnake, after making its way inside a home via a door left ajar. The homeowner threw a towel over it and that’s where it was when Marissa arrived shortly after. Lessons learned: towels are good makeshift snake restraints, and doors open in Arizona invite all guests.
While sweeping the garage, a homeowner noticed a visitor in the corner. This is a very common occurrence in Arizona spring, where snakes that have been using the garage all winter come and go from the free cave situation.
A patio cleanup ended up being a rattlesnake removal call. This baby Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was making use of the shaded corner to rest until temperatures were favorable.
Another large property with new rattlesnake protection installed by our crew.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found in the parking lot of a business. When people started throwing rocks at it, the snake crawled into the undercarriage of a nearby car to escape. Marissa saw it here when the hood was popped. Thankfully, the snake was not injured and relocated to a more suitable situation.
This member of Snakes Against Literacy was hanging out on a bridge leading to a public library, preventing visitors from coming in. Marissa helped it back to the surrounding habitat.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake didn’t even uncoil as Nikolaus gently moved it from its resting place at the base of this tree into the bucket. A common question: “Why don’t the snakes ever strike the tongs?”. Answer: because we are using them as intended … very gently, with just enough force to control without hurting the snake. When you see photos out there online of tongs being misused with excess force is when the snakes bite at the device that is causing them injury.
Another backyard in Tucson that won’t be visited by rattlesnakes, installed by our team of licensed, insured rattlesnake experts. Nate and Michael killing it down there.
A large Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hanging out near the front door of a Tucson home the other day. Dave relocated it to a packrat nest, which is a perfect relocation situation. These nests are often used for cover at any time of year, and will allow the snake to carefully re-enter its home range on its own timeline.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake living in rock crevices at a property near Tucson. Spring is mating time for many rattlesnakes, and the odds of finding a second snake in association with the one called in is much higher this time of year.
This Sonoran Gophersnake was called in as a rattlesnake, which is a common misidentification and easy to make. The concern was, once it was captured, to make sure it could be safe from the dogs, so it was moved a short distance.
An adult female Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found surprisingly deep into a neighborhood near Tucson. She was relocated to a carefully-selected spot.
This small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found in a courtyard in Anthem, Arizona the other night. It was relocated to a packrat nest, to re-orient itself with its homerange on its own terms at a later time.
An expertly-installed rattlesnake fencing project with a standard double-gate. This is the difficult part that is often overlooked.
An easter-egg hunt found something else instead. This Sonoran Gophersnake was also looking for eggs (real ones) but ended up getting a free ride off-premises.
Marissa carefully working with a large Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, using two tools to help distribute its weight to safely capture without risking injury to the snake.
After a likely rattlesnake was spotted in some bricks by a homeowner in Surprise, Marissa got to play our favorite game: Spicy Jenga. She caught the snake in question, and found a little one that went along for the ride as well.
A quick Western Diamondback Rattlesnake relocation from this situation near Marana the other day. The snake was likely hibernating within or near the box, taking advantage of a little sun before its primary spring activities.
The first snake removal of 2024 for CJ! The homeowners were getting ready for bed when one went into the kitchen and heard a rattle. The front entry door was cracked open slightly due to the wind, and this small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake decided to pop in. CJ caught it with no issue and released it into a deep granite cave shaded by mesquite on a wash terrace.
This was in Ahwatukee earlier in the week.
This small Sonoran Gophersnake was called in as a rattlesnake stuck in the garage. After moving some things around, Marissa discovered it tucked into some plastic. Learning that gophersnakes are harmless and great pest control, the homeowner opted to have it released back to his property.
The number one negative comment left on our socials about our snake fencing: “there’s nothing there, they can get right in”. Thank you!
These make our day, proving the point of just how little rattlesnake prevention will visually impact the view. Just visible here in the sunlight, you can see the smooth steel mesh applied by Brent on a recent rattlesnake fence installation project.
This little Sonoran Gophersnake was called in as a rattlesnake, fleeing to hide in a rosemary right before Marissa arrived. She found the little one and was able to grab it right before it disappeared. They watched the sunset together in Ahwatukee before it was released to carefully selected habitat.
It’s a little early in the year for front door snakes, but this one was likely displaced by recent heavy rain. It was relocated to a carefully selected spot to dry off.
We’re nearing the end of ‘garage snake’ season. This was a repeat visit to this home for Marissa, but the first inside the garage. Its head was just poking out when she arrived, making for an easy capture and release.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake had been seen hanging around over the past few weeks. The last few sightings were getting closer to the building where people come and go, so it was time to be relocated to elsewhere within its homerange. Marissa gently captured and relocated it to a carefully selected location.
No rattlesnakes were found on a recent property inspection, but Marissa did find a couple of shed skins. One was from a harmless coachwhip, but the other was left by a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. The property was informed on the situation and what can be done to reduce future encounters.
To schedule a property inspection, email inspection@rattlesnakesolutions.com
Some rodent activity was noted during a recent property inspection. A detailed report about various, similar activity and other situations that likely have contributed to recent rattlesnake sightings and possible remedies were delivered to the homeowner. This is part of a regularly-scheduled property inspection service, which has shown to greatly reduce snake activity over time at even the most snake-friendly locations.
To schedule a property inspection, email inspection@rattlesnakesolutions.com
It’s hard to see, but there’s a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hiding out behind the trash bins at this Tucson home. It was a very short crawl from deep cover where it had likely spent the winter. Dave was called out to relocate it to a staging area adjacent to a suitable replacement hibernacula.
A homeowner in Tucson heard her three dogs “going crazy”. Fortunately, all of them had undergone rattlesnake aversion training, and had kept their distance despite the interest in the visiting rattlesnake. Dave was called out to relocate the snake to a better situation for all involved.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hiding out in the provided shade of a covered patio near Tucson. It was relocated to a better situation within its estimated homerange.
Barely visible and installed by professionals – this backyard won’t have to worry about the rattlesnake encounters of previous summers.
Nikolaus was called out to capture this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake that looked to have been displaced by the heavy rain. This was in a Tucson neighborhood, with several flooded packrat nests nearby where it had likely been staying.
With warmer temperatures come the move by rattlesnakes to become largely nocturnal. Here’s a recent one from Tucson, hanging out on a back patio. It was relocated to a carefully selected situation within its estimated home range.
Rattlesnake fencing installed by licensed, insured professionals. Share this with someone you know who could use a break from worrying about rattlesnakes in their own backyard.
Dave visited a place near Marana that had a rattlesnake a few days before, but found another stuck in the plastic cover. Pool equipment areas are common spots for rattlesnakes to den up for the winter, and this little one almost didn’t get to see the springtime. With some patience, Dave got it free and found a nice packrat nest for it to rest and contemplate its recent decisions.
Bryce went out for a call in Stetson Valley for a small snake cruising around in the entry of a garage. He found a Desert Nightsnake, a small and harmless species common in semi-urbanized areas. He found a good spot for it to safely continue looking for geckos and whatnot.
Lizard rescue! During a recent Property Inspection, Dave found a pair of Western Banded Geckos unprepared for the mass of rain. He helped them to a nearby dry hiding spot to return when the floods receded.
A big male Western Diamondback Rattlesnake did not appreciate being captured and unimpressed with Dave moving him from a front patio vantage point. Regardless, he eventually ended up making due with deep cover beneath some cactus within its estimated home range. Sorry dude.
A healthy, small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found hiding out under some stuff on the back patio near Tucson. It was relocated to a safer spot.
A large Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found under some patio furniture in Phoenix. These kinds of chairs aren’t suitable for rattlesnakes to really live under long-term, but make a great “camping” spot for a day.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found in a garage recently. There are a lot of encounters just outside garages this time of year, as snakes that had likely been hiding in them for awhile finally start to make movements out and away. This one was relocated to a carefully selected situation within its estimated home range.
Bucket snakes! Here is some diversity of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. This is, as you may have noticed, the most commonly encountered snake in the area.
snake in a bucketWestern Diamondback Rattlesnake in a bucket waiting for relocation.A baby rattlesnake found at a home in Phoenix
An old gate with new tricks. Brent installed rattlesnake prevention materials to this wooden gate, and rattlesnakes aren’t going to be coming in this year.
Kyle coming in with the flawless dual gate rattlesnake prevention install the other day! It’s like it was always supposed to be there.
