Rattlesnake Hibernation Ingress

Posted on January 23, 2025November 24, 2024 by Bryan Hughes

Late October is a transitional time for rattlesnakes in Arizona, and spotting a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake on a Tucson patio is not uncommon. This behavior, often referred to as ingress staging, indicates that the snake is preparing to hibernate or has already chosen a nearby location to settle for the colder months. Understanding this behavior is crucial for ensuring the safety of both residents and snakes.

What is Ingress Staging?

Ingress staging is the process by which rattlesnakes begin to seek out and prepare suitable hibernation spots, known as dens. In areas like Tucson, patios, sheds, and other structures may inadvertently offer attractive shelter due to their warmth and protection from predators. This behavior becomes more frequent as temperatures drop and snakes shift from their active summer patterns to a more dormant state.

Importance of Safe Relocation

Encountering a rattlesnake on your property can be alarming, but it’s important to handle these situations with care. Rattlesnakes play a vital role in Arizona’s ecosystem, and safely relocating them is essential. Companies like Rattlesnake Solutions specialize in humane, professional snake relocation. Their experts ensure that snakes are moved to suitable conditions that align with their natural hibernation needs, preserving the delicate balance of the local environment.

Preventing Rattlesnake Encounters

To reduce the likelihood of finding a snake staging for hibernation near your home, consider the following preventative measures offered by Rattlesnake Solutions:

• Snake Fencing Installation: Professionally designed barriers keep snakes out of yards and outdoor spaces, ensuring long-term protection.

• Property Inspections: Identifying and mitigating attractants like debris piles, water sources, and rodent activity can make your property less appealing to snakes.

• Education and Awareness: Rattlesnake Solutions provides tools and guides to help homeowners recognize and safely address potential snake issues.

All Black Coachwhip (Red Racer)

Posted on January 23, 2025November 27, 2024 by Bryan Hughes

In late October, Dave was called out for an unknown snake found INSIDE a home. It ended up being a big jet-black Coachwhip! This is one of a few reasons why the common name of “red racer” for this subspecies is a little off 😉

This is a harmless snake that eats about everything it can get, including rattlesnakes. The homeowner opted to let it be released back into the front yard to continue its pest control duties.

Sneaky Snake Escapes

Posted on January 23, 2025November 2, 2024 by Bryan Hughes

Marissa was called out to a home where a bucket had already been placed over the rattlesnake. When she got there and looked under it – the snake was gone, leaving a track leaving the container. She looked around the area for places the snake likely lives, and found it moving towards the pool equipment, which is a very common place to find rattlesnakes.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes – Found At Homes in Arizona

Posted on January 22, 2025December 13, 2024 by Bryan Hughes

Some Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes in the usual positions, and another shot in the bucket as they are on route to the new place. As similar as they can look in memory, its a surprisingly variable species in pattern, color, size, and behavior. All were, as always, relocated to carefully selected microhabitat that is in best alignment with the needs of the animal in the winter, when they were captured.

Baby Coachwhip Got Inside

Posted on January 22, 2025November 2, 2024 by Bryan Hughes

This little coachwhip scared folks at an assisted living facility when it appeared and darted under a tv stand. Sometimes on nice days, they leave the patio doors open, which says “free cave” to snakes that may be passing through. It was given a ride back outside.

Blacktailed Rattlesnake Relocation

Posted on January 21, 2025October 31, 2024 by Bryan Hughes

We don’t get this species very often on calls, even in areas where they are common. Bryce picked up this Blacktailed Rattlesnake, along with a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, in late September. They were relocated to very specific habitat, which is necessary in any relocation.

A Pair Of Hibernating Rattlesnakes

Posted on January 20, 2025December 30, 2024 by Bryan Hughes

A pair of small Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes were discovered hibernating at an irrigation box. Moisture is one of the primary factors that may get a rattlesnake to come out of its winter den for a short time, but don’t make the mistake many do of saying things like “they are out”, when it’s really more like getting up in the middle of the night to get a drink and going back to bed. These two were carefully relocated to suitable hibernation microhabitat.

Rattlesnake Hibernating In A Drain

Posted on January 20, 2025January 6, 2025 by Bryan Hughes

While decorating the front yard, a rattlesnake buzzed at the homeowner from a drain. She looked down to see this tiny Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. Marissa was able to get it out without incident, and relocate it to better hibernation habitat.

Kingsnake In The City

Posted on January 20, 2025October 31, 2024 by Bryan Hughes

Bryce went out to Scottsdale to look for an unidentified snake. Due to the location, it was very unlikely to be a rattlesnake – but surprises happen and snakes can hitch rides in cars on occasion, so it’s good to check. He ended up finding this California Kingsnake, which have been able to live throughout much of the heavily-developed parts of the city. This snake likely has never been to natural habitat.

Mother Rattlesnake With Newborns

Posted on January 19, 2025October 31, 2024 by Bryan Hughes

Back in September, Bryce picked up this mother Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake and her newborn babies at a home near the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. It took several trips to get them all, but he eventually got five babies and the mom. He relocated them to a north-facing caliche cave in a drainage that could be a suitable natural location where an event like this would occur.