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:
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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
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.
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.
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.
We had a busy year keeping rattlesnakes out of backyards all across Arizona! In addition to providing snake fence installation, we captured more than a thousand rattlesnakes for relocation. Here are just some of the many rattlesnake rescues we’ve been called to in 2022. Many of these encounters could have been prevented with a snake fence.
We’re in the dead of winter and getting a bit of time off on the snake removal side, which gives a bit of time to catch up on some photos from the end of last year. When things get busy, it’s not possible or reasonable to post every snake we catch, so things get spaced out to make sure that we have time to eat and sleep in between social media postings, and so that you don’t get upset with 20+ photos every single day 🙂
Our first removal of the year, however, came in right on Jan 1! Marissa caught two adult Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes hanging out in a garage.
These are the last of our 2021 calls and a couple of our first of the new year. Come on, Spring!
As always, we’ve been busy. Not only with snake removals, but all sorts of field work. That includes travel all over the country, and even into Mexico, looking for wild snakes of all kinds.
That means I’m a bit backed up on some of our social media communications, so here’s an attempt to get caught up. Here are a good amount of the recent snake removal jobs we’ve done in the past few weeks.
With temperatures starting to look like Fall, we expect an uptick in activity that will last throughout the month. With all of the recent rain and what looks to have been a great monsoon, the baby rattlesnakes born this year will likely survive in great numbers. We expect to continue seeing those pop up in Arizona yards through October, into November.
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Rattlesnake Prevention and Arizona Snake Fence Installation
Wow, finally some rain! The monsoon has officially kicked off with some rain throughout the state. That means that snakes will be on the move for the first time in a while; the result is that our snake removal hotline is super busy and people are lining up to get snake fencing installed as quickly as possible.
Here are some of the projects we’ve taken on in the last week.
