Justin found this young Sonoran Gophersnake at a home where it had wedged itself in poolside decorative rock. It had recently eaten, so extra care was given to gentle handling and a carefully selected release site.
A home in Marana has a rattlesnake den in the back, and Dave had visited three times to find and move them to a better situation. These situations can be complex, since relocating an animal still in the late stages of hibernation demand particular criteria for successful release.
A neighbor had called the fire department the day before, though without this careful selection of replacement hibernacula, a snake crawls right back from where it’s dumped alongside the roadway to its home.
A really nice looking Western Diamondback Rattlesnake! Jeff found this one under a lantana next to a rock pile, where it had likely spent the winter. It was relocated to a suitable new den site.
New home, ready for summer in Arizona without that whole rattlesnake thing getting in the way. HOA compliant and installed by our licensed, bonded, insured and experienced team.
This rattlesnake was hibernating in the garage.
When the homeowner backed her car out of the garage, she noticed a little rattlesnake was in there as well. The snake went to hide in some nearby stuff and that’s where Marissa found it when she arrived. Some gaps at the edges of the garage doors are how it had been coming and going.
Relocated to a carefully selected replacement den.
Snake Removal
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was hiding out in a poison trap made for rodents for a few days, and still there when Marissa went out to capture it. Thankfully, it had not eaten anything, and would not die as a result or poison predators in the area. The irony is not lost here of rodent control killing off the more effective, natural, and free rodent control.
A condo homeowner found a rattlesnake under the grill cover on their patio. The homeowner’s dog had a swollen face, likely due to a snake bite. The condo is located near South Mountain Preserve, and a dead mouse was found earlier. The homeowner took the dog to the vet and removed the snake. The incident happened in Ahwatukee.
Please note: we do not follow up on the condition of pets after bites, typically. It’s a sensitive situation and aside from offering information at request, we respect the privacy of the homeowner.
Well, this is a new one. We were called out for a snake making sounds behind a dryer in the home. When Marissa got there, she found a bird stuck in the vent! She took it outside, and it flew off.
Brent finished up this gate so that rattlesnakes can no longer enter. No gaps exist anywhere greater than 1/4″, and the function of the gate is not changed at all. Installed by licensed, bonded, insured rattlesnake prevention professionals.
A young Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hiding out in a warehouse was caught by Dave the other day. It had likely spent the winter inside, and was found in its early spring movements. Dave found a better winter spot for it.
Dave’s first call of the year that was something other than a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake – a young Sonoran Gophersnake had succeeded in getting a springtime meal. It was released into appropriate habitat within its estimated homerange.
A homeowner called our Tucson snake removal hotline (520-308-6211) but lost sight of the snake soon after. Thinking he’d have to search for it, Nikolaus went out to get started … but the snake made itself known right away. This Mojave Rattlesnake looks to have come from a nearby new development, and likely displaced. A much better situation was found for it.
Another backyard ready for summer with a professionally installed rattlesnake fence.
A rattlesnake had overwintered in a rodent / erosion hole under pavement in an industrial area, and was seen on the move nearby. Marissa was able to get there in time to capture it and help get it to a safer situation for all involved.
A gorgeous Mojave Rattlesnake was hanging out in the supplied snake housing at a construction site in Mesa. Thankfully a worker saw it before reaching in, and called us out to help. This snake, likely displaced by the blading of a large section of desert for development, was moved to native desert nearby.
A rattlesnake was found taking cover under a bush in the front yard after initially being spotted in the driveway. Marissa went to north Phoenix to relocate this one back to native habitat.
From the outside, you’d never know this gate has been modified to prevent rattlesnakes from getting into the yard. HOA compliant, licensed, bonded, insured, and all that good stuff.
We’re busy again! Spring is here and the 2024 rattlesnake season is underway. Here is some of what we’ve been up to:
The homeowner pulled into the driveway and noticed a rattlesnake outside. When they tried to scared it away, it retreated into the garage … where it’d likely been hibernating for a few months. Marissa helped it find a better den to finish its pre-spring behavior, and the homeowners now know there’s a gap in the garage door that can allow things like this.
The night before, the homeowner heard a rattle when he let the dog out. In the morning he called and Marissa was sent out. A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was hiding out in this corner by a raised dog bed. Cave Creek, Arizona
A Scottsdale homeowner was putting something away when he was buzzed by a rattlesnake hiding in a cabinet. The day before, he spotted a rattlesnake outdoors and left it alone, not realizing it had been hibernating in the garage. It was safely relocated to a suitable replacement den.
This gate has been modified to prevent rattlesnakes from gaining entry into this backyard. If you know someone who should meet our team of snake nerds to keep those first spring pool Saturdays rattle-free, send them our way.
Who do you want to talk to you about rattlesnake fencing? People who spend every waking free minute looking for and talking about snakes their entire lives, OBVIOUSLY.
Where can you get such a person? Well, we’ve got a bunch of them. Some serious rattlesnake knowledge goes into the evaluation and installation of our rattlesnake fencing. Jeff has joined our sales team, to help homeowners in Tucson find safety in their own backyards.
Yesterday, he and Jill gave a presentation for a local community so homeowners can be knowledgeable as we enter another busy rattlesnake season. Our team provides presentations like these to communities at no cost as part of our overall mission to keep snakes and people safe from one another.
If you don’t know Jeff, you can see his work with snakes all over our youtube channel: https://youtube.com/c/rattlesnakesolutions
A new puppy had just come to the household, so the homeowners walked the yard prior to letting the little out for the first time. It’s good they did! A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was crusing around the yard, eventually disappearing into a drian hole. Marissa was able to find it, and relocated it to a better spot.
An early morning call to north Phoenix – a homeowner was headed to the gym when he spotted a visitor slither into the garage when the door opened. It’s a Sonoran Gophersnake, thankfully.
The landscapers spotted this little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake who had been hibernating in a gap between the home and the surrounding block wall. It was relocated to a suitable replacement den.
This kind of gap is exactly the kind of thing that is sealed up during the snake fence installation process, if anyone’s wondering 😉
One of many properties we’ve helped to have a rattlesnake-free 2024.
The homeowner had just let his dog out when he heard what sounded like an automatic sprinkler start up. He got the pup inside and saw a rattlesnake crawling under the grill to hide. Marissa went out to relocate it, and found that nearby, there was a shed with packrat activity all around. As we know from thousands of relocations: packrat homes are rattlesnake homes. On the hike out to release the rattlesnake, she ran into a bonus kingsnake!
While hanging out on the back patio, a homeowner in Cave Creek noticed a rattlesnake was also enjoying the evening.
This adult Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found in a Scottsdale yard hiding out in a rosemary bush.
Ironically, rosemary is often touted as a deterrent to rattlesnakes, but the low ground cover and heavy leaf-litter make them ideal rattlesnake homes. When combined with a large boulder or two, a rattlesnake can make a long term home that can escape evasion for years.
It’s just barely visible even from this short distance, but this backyard will not have “rattlesnake encounter” on the list of exciting times for 2024.
This one was called in as a baby rattlesnake, but ended up being a baby Sonoran Gophersnake with a particularly high-contrast pattern. This one is showing off one of its talents that make them able to get into any property, and why our Rattlesnake Fencing is called “rattlesnake fencing” and not “snake fencing”. Of course these are harmless animals, so things work out just fine.
An addition to this fencing to make pool time in 2024 more relaxing: – Prevents entry of all rattlesnake species in the area, of any size – Barely visible from a short distance – Compliant with most HOA regulations, or can be worked with to accommodate
Baby rattlesnakes are little, and the little details matter. This gap between the home and wall that was sealed up as part of a recent rattlesnake fence installation is one of the things most often overlooked by landscapers and other various non-snake people that would make a backyard a snake trap unless done properly.
This is what sustainable rattlesnake conservation looks like: a matter of 40′. One one side, a safe area for a family to enjoy the pool and yard all year. On the other, a desert wash rich with wildlife, free to continue life despite adjacent development. Combined with an educated community, the culture of safe cohabitation with wildlife that was once killed on sight is a reality.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
This is familiar – a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hiding out in a water control box over the winter, as discovered the the landscaper working on it. Dave went out to capture the snake and safely relocate it to a suitable replacement den.
Another familiar urban rattlesnake den situation – under storage boxes in the pool equipment area. These zones are often hidden away and seldom visited, which makes them ideal for rodents to take up residence and then their predators as well. Dave was called out to this home in Tucson to end up capturing two large Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes. He released them to suitable replacement hibernacula: an old packrat nest under boulders.
The first rattlesnake call for Nikolaus was in Tucson in 2024 – this nice-sized adult Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was hiding out in the garage. This situation will become much more common in late February as rattlesnakes start to stage towards the front of the structures, typically in corners next to the door.
Marissa picked up this small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake after that last 80 degree winter day a few weeks back. It had likely been within a few feet of this spot all winter.
A homeowner in Tucson found this little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake while moving a large boulder in the back yard. This is likely where this small snake had been hibernating over the winter. Nikolaus was called out to safely relocate it to a better, carefully-selected alternative den.
A recent rattlesnake fence installation was a bit of a challenge with the terrain and erosion situation, but the crew made it happen. Here’s a yard in centeral AZ that won’t be visited by rattlesnakes in 2024.
Marissa was able to save this Desert Nightsnake with its face stuck to a glue trap in Scottsdale a few days ago. The homeowner, who’d just moved into the house a few days before, said they’d be getting rid of these ASAP.
A homeowner saw a Sonoran Gophersnake in the backyard crawling around with a glue trap stuck to its neck. It went under an outdoor refridgerator, but they were able to tip it up and get the snake out. The poor thing had pulled itself free from the glue trap, but a patch of its skin came with it, exposing muscle underneath. The snake will likely heal and be ok, but these situations often go the other way.
A tavern in Cave Creek backs up to a narrow wash and an electrical box that has a large packrat nest underneath. This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found this useful, and made an appearance as the crew was closing up for the night.
With newly installed rattlesnake fencing that includes the gates, and brush cleared several feet from the edge of the wall, this home doesn’t have much to worry about with rattlesnakes this coming season.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
This is a big rattlesnake! It was living at an apartment complex in a pretty urbanized area, with a bit of native land still remaining nearby.
After working more than an hour to capture an adult Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found in a backyard, Bryce found a second snake on the road crawling into the property just as he was leaving … in the bucket you go little one. Along the way to the release site, a third was spotted crossing the road. It was helped to safety, then the others were relocated to a carefully selected spot. Busy night!
This gate has been modified to keep rattlesnakes out of the courtyard. From the front, it’s hard to tell anything has been done at all.
Weeks before this Longnosed Snake was found in a glue trap in a garage, a rattlesnake was found in the same situation. Another snake, a juvenile gophersnake, was also stuck in one and was already dead. These traps can increase the rate of snake encounter, while eliminating natural predators of the intended targets. If you have these in the garage right now, safe yourself a few bucks and some encounters and let the pest control guy know they’re no longer needed.
Two rattlesnakes were found courting in an, appropriately named, courtyard. Marissa helped them to a better situation where they could continue the important task of making more little rattlesnakes without interruption.
Some visitors to Arizona from the midwest found that their airbnb was double booked, as this Sonoran Gophersnake was hanging out in a gap in the garage. This was not listed in the amenities. Marissa went out to help figure out the situation and get the snake to a suitable replacement spot.
CJ picked up this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in Cave Creek recently and found a perfect relose location underneath a dead mesquite tree. Just after the release, he saw another rattlesnake in ambush right at his feet. While that’s a great indication of having selected the right spot, it’s a reminder that the snake we’re working with is not the one we have to watch out for the most.
Nick was able to find this coachwhip hiding in a tight gap in a garage, and even get it out without being bitten. He released it to a perfect situation nearby where it can continue to eat everything it finds (including rattlesnakes).
A Mojave Rattlesnake from north Phoenix. I twas sitting next to a large pot on the home’s front step, where it didn’t make a sound or move as it was walked past several times. Yet another example of how these snakes don’t live up to the ‘hyper-aggressive’ reputation.
A 2 for 1 rattlesnake removal. While doing some home maintenance, a homeowner was rattled by what was assumed to be one Western Diamondback Rattlesnake under the pool heater. Nick went out to capture it, but thought the spot looked too good for just one snake … so he kept at it and several minutes later, a second snake emerged. These hiding spots can be important and understanding the behavior of these animals is very important to make sure things are done properly. Both were relocated to a site that emulates the one in which they were found, and the homeowner knows what can be done to prevent this in the future.
A pair of Western Diamondback Rattlesnake were found mating in a yard and both were captured at once without breaking them up. It’s a good example, too, of the color variation that can occur between individuals within the same population. Nick relocated them together to finish making more baby rattlesnakes.
As Nick pulled into the driveway to catch a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake spotted in on an tennis court, he found another rattlesnake crossing the road. Both were relocated safely to a site that would emulate the situation that these snakes were looking for in the backyard.
Some calls are more interesting than others. This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found about 4′ off the ground on a garage work bench. It likely climbed up there along a vacuum stored just to the right. Thankfully the homeowner spotted it in time and Nick was able to get out there to resolve the situation safely.
This guy crashed a party in east Scottsdale, at a home against the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Sorry guy; invited guests only for this one. CJ gave it a ride to a packrat nest that was probably less fun.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found using the pool pump area at a home in Cave Creek. When it was being relocated,at the site CJ selected, another rattlesnake was already hanging out. That’s a great indication that the methods of release site selection are what they should be.
Some Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes from recent relocations.
This was a tough one. Marissa was able to get this snake out of the plastic netting safely (for both her and the snake). Though it has a superficial injury, it will be just fine after a shed skin or two.
Concrete and steel, along with some other adjustments, make this gate part of the best rattlesnake prevention that exists. Rattlesnake fencing installed by licensed, insured professionals can make a huge difference for the safety and enjoyability of a backyard in Arizona.
A homeowner got a shock when whe welcome mat started rattling at her! Bryce went out to discover a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hiding under it. You can see the lump here.
A snake fence project just completed. Using black steel and mesh makes it fit the aesthetic and works with HOA guidelines to provide rattlesnake prevention while keeping things looking great. This home is going into 2024 rattlesnake season easier than last year.
This rattlesnake was spotted in the yard by the homeowner and retreated to a space under patio furniture, which is where Bryce found it when he arrived. Relocated safely to a better situation based on the species, condition, and time of year.
A 3am call from Phoenix sent CJ out to a home find a Sonoran Gophersnake cruising around in a dining room. This is in an urbanized area with a canal and habitat on the other side, though these snakes do quite well in entirely developed places. The snake was relocated the next morning to a network of deep caves shaded by large creosote near a wash.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found near the front door on Halloween night, and relocated by Derek. He got some kingsized candy bars too (Derek, not the snake).
From Dave on Halloween “This little Goblin found a Ghoul place to hide under some Halloween inflatables.”
As spring approaches, rattlesnakes denning in garages will start to spend more time near the entrance, making small movements between the winter hiding spots and the door. This staging behavior often creates small tracks and clear spots among the typical dust and debris in these corners, so even when a snake is not present, we can tell if a snake is likely in the garage. This small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake relocated by Dave a couple of months ago demonstrates this behavior.
The days before Halloween can be busy for our team. As snakes are moving into their winter dens, activity spikes just after dark. This can make for some complicated situations. Fortunately, this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was spotted before the subsequent days trick or treating activity.
Some snake fencing jobs require a lot of trenching! An essential part of effective rattlesnake prevention is to control rodent activity that could compromise a perimeter fence. We have some great methods that make rodents give up quickly, though it can make for a long day for the team. Brent did a great job on this one.
When the kids went into the garage at this Fountain Hills home, they were greeted by a rattle. This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was hiding out under the shoe rack. The door to the garage is left open frequently, making for easy access to a “cave” for a snake looking to spend the winter somewhere safe. Marissa relocated this snake safely.
Rattlesnake, meet monkey.
This poor little Patchnosed Snake was stuck on a floaty because it couldn’t climb out of the pool. Some nearby desert was just bladed, which may be what sent this little one wandering. Thankfully the homeowners saw it and Marissa was able to set the little guy back into better, drier, surroundings.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was hanging out in an elevator shaft of an underground parking garage. It’s not known how it got there, but thankfully it was in-reach so Marissa could capture it. I wonder how many skeletons are at the bottom?
The homeowner stepped outside and saw this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in this spot. This one was in Sun Lakes, a spot we aren’t often called to get rattlesnakes. It was relocated successfully.
This little Western Banded Gecko was saved from a pool skimmer on a property inspection.
Old gate with new tricks. Rattlesnake fencing was installed on this gate, meeting HOA guidelines, and providing protection to a yard that would otherwise be prone to rattlesnake visits.
The homeowners let their dogs out and noticed a baby Speckled Rattlesnake hanging out on the patio. They weren’t quite sure if it was a rattlesnake or not when they called, and thankfully they did. It was hiding out in a wood stack and bricks near the home, which it was likely using for the winter. Marissa relocated it to a carefully selected replacement hibernacula.
Thankfully, the homeowner walked into the garage and noticed this snake stuck in a blue trap. Marissa was able to carefully free the little snake and release it elsewhere unharmed.
A large Western Diamondback Rattlesnake that had found a space int he foundation of this home to spend the winter. Bryce found a better spot for it.
Brent from our rattlesnake fence installation team walked past this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake numerous times before spotting her. Bryce went out to get it and Jill released it. Perfect timing for that snake fence!
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found in a Tucson backyard. Unfortunately, this snake had bitten the dog before being discovered – thankfully the dog will recover fully, and the snake was taken elsewhere.
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake as found in a Scottsdale backyard.
This was a fun one. Kyle was called out to find this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake joyriding a homeowner’s Can-Am.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake ended up with its head stuck in duct tape. Dave and Nikolous were able to carefully free it and release without any harm done to anyone involved.
CJ picked up this little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in late November on a patio in Scottsdale. Most of the rattlesnakes we are catching now, in late January, have been at the homes where they’re found since at least then. It was relocated to a suitable replacement hibernacula.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found hibernating in a mini-fridge in Waddell. It was relocated to a better spot to finish up its winter.
A call to our hotline for a baby rattlesnake ended up as a small Desert Nightsnake. These harmless worm-sized snakes are often found inside homes throughout the year, and are perfectly harmless. CJ released it to a better spot to spend the winter.
Do you see it? Recent rain has forced some rattlesnakes to escape their preferred sites and left with less than ideal hiding spots.
Here are just some of our snake removal calls we handled in September. It was a pretty typical month, busy with baby rattlesnakes and all of the others working to get some last meals before the fall set in.
A friendly little Sonoran Gophersnake found in a crack in a tree. The homeowners had thought it was a rattlesnake initially, and were relieved when Nick told them it was a harmless species.This was a fun one. A bucket of 6 Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes all found at one property under some dense bushes. This was found on a property inspection in advance of a football-related party … which is good because this bush was right next to the cornhole boards. All snakes relocated safely, and homeowners know more about what to do with those bushes.This little baby rattlesnake found its way into an office building on a rainy night in September. It's generalist camouflage worked surprisingly well against the floor pattern, but not quite good enough for the security guard not to notice. Back to the desert little guy.Wow! Look at this pretty, faded Sonoran Gophersnake found in a woodpile in Mesa. It was released safely, and the homeowner learned a bit more about the woodpile placement. Derek was called to capture this pair of Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes hiding out 2 feet up in a bush. He didn't notice the second one until the first was being gently pulled out. Fall is mating season for many rattlesnakes, and that's likely what was going on here.A pair of rattlesnakes captured at a homeDerek was called to capture this pair of Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes hiding out 2 feet up in a bush. He didn't notice the second one until the first was being gently pulled out. Fall is mating season for many rattlesnakes, and that's likely what was going on here.Derek was called to capture this pair of Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes hiding out 2 feet up in a bush. He didn’t notice the second one until the first was being gently pulled out. Fall is mating season for many rattlesnakes, and that’s likely what was going on here.A tiny rattlesnake found outside a home in the Tucson area. These little guys, when this happened back in September, were all over the place. This one was relocated safely to a better situation.Bryce was able to save this baby Longnosed Snake from a glue trap before it was too late.
Remember that it’s easy to come down on homeowners for these situations, but really, most have NO IDEA that this is what will happen. The majority of homeowners that we meet in these situations are appalled, as you may be, and things change quickly.A dark Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found in a north Phoenix backyard that borders a preserve. The homeowners said it was only the second snake seen there in 20 years, which, more accurately, is the second snake SEEN in 20 years.
While that might sound scary at first, think about it a minute. That means that rattlesnakes are almost always successful in avoiding us. We’ll often get responses to our “did you see it” posts like “I would have been bitten” when a snake is successfully hidden … but overwhelmingly, the actual result is that the person just doesn’t know, and the snake makes its earliest possible retreat after.This Speckled Rattlesnake was found by the maintenance crew and called in for short distance relocation to the adjacent preserve. It was released to a spot carefully selected to emulate the conditions required for this species at that time.This little Mojave Rattlesnake from a north Phoenix apartment complex made it three buildings in from the desert before being spotted. The rest of the complex was searched (this can take awhile) but that day, this is the only one visibleOn the left: a kingsnake. On the right: a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. Both were relocated in separate buckets.Desert Nightsnake found in a kitchenSee the Kingsnake hiding away under this overhang?A tiny Desert Nightsnake caught in a home in PhoenixThis big Gophersnake had just finished eating a rabbit and was moved a short distance at the request of the homeowners.A skinny Sonoran Gophersnake found at a home in Phoenix.A horned lizard! Found on a relocation call, and left in place.Sonoran Gophersnake found in a garageA big Sonoran Gophersnake!Sonoran Gophersnake eating a rabbitA small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake looking for some place to hide in a Phoenix yard, but was relocated instead.rattlesnake removalAnother baby Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found hanging out in the pool area. In addition to being a relatively visit-free area of the yard, the slightly higher ambient humidity may be a factor. This little one was relocated safely.
The monsoon moisture is bringing a lot of rattlesnake activity to the homes of the valley. As always, we have been very busy – now with the addition of baby rattlesnakes!
24/7 Snake Removal & Prevention:
Phoenix-metro: 480-237-9975
Tucson-metro: 520-308-6211
https://rattlesnakesolutions.com
Western Diamondback RattlesnakesSee the rattlesnake?Tiger RattlesnakeAnother Tiger Rattlesnake near TucsonRattlesnake hiding near gardenRattlesnake removalRattlesnake hiding in the cornerRattlesnake removed from rocks near ScottsdaleA closer look at that rattlesnakeSee the rattlesnake hiding by the post?Western Diamondback Rattlesnake near a front doorwayRattlesnake hiding in the backyardA young Arizona Black Rattlesnake from our Prescott hotlineRattlesnake hiding in the shade near a homeRattlesnake removal in Cave Creek ArizonaA baby rattlesnake, the first newborn of the year for us.Speckled rattlesnake hiding between patio furnitureWestern Diamondback Rattlesnake hiding in pool equipmentRattlesnake found while watering the plants.Gophersnake climbing citrus trees.Rattlesnake hiding in the garageSouthwestern Speckled Rattlesnake from PhoenixWestern Diamondback Rattlesnake from ScottsdaleAnother Western Diamondback Rattlesnake And anotherSouthwestern Speckled Rattlesnake from PhoenixThis Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found in the lantanaSouthwestern Speckled Rattlesnake from PhoenixRattlesnake removed from a Scottsdale patio
We were busy last year 🙂 Here’s a combination of the snakes we captured and relocated in late 2021 and the handful every week over the winter. Just a few more weeks and we’ll be back and busy!
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!
This will be a big one … as the season winds to a close, snakes are busy. Not only are they looking for a last meal or two and mating, they have to travel to the places they plan on spending the winter. These dens, in the low and warm desert, can be just about anywhere that a snake can escape freezing temperatures and preserve the moisture they’ve been able to get during the year.
Typically, we remain quite busy through October and into about the second week of November. After that, rattlesnake activity decreases dramatically.
When do snakes go to sleep for the winter in Arizona?
Typically, primary rattlesnake activity ends in mid-November in the Sonoran Desert, and a few weeks earlier in higher elevations.
Late September and early October are usually pretty busy for us. As the monsoon wanes, we see snakes of all kinds getting ready for cooler conditions. That means there’s a lot to do: eating, mating, and traveling to wherever it is they want to wait out the winter. That can often mean they end up in a backyard or garage, and we’re called out to help.
A spike in calls usually happens right after dark. This will likely continue throughout October, dropping off dramatically in the first week of November. Of course the weather and conditions will largely determine how long this lasts, but this is a trend we see every year and we have no reason to believe it will be any different now.
Snake Removal in Phoenix and Tucson areas
Blacktailed Rattlesnake at a home
Blacktailed Rattlesnake at a home
Diamondback in a cactus
Diamondback removal in Queen Creek
Gila Monster in a Garage
Gold Canyon AZ Longnosed Snake
Gold Canyon AZ Longnosed Snake
Gold Canyon AZ Longnosed Snake
Gophersnake stuck in bird netting
Gophersnake stuck in bird netting
Gophersnake stuck in bird netting
Mojave Rattlesnake under house
Mojave Rattlesnake under house
Mojave Rattlesnake under house
Nightsnake in the yard
Tiger Rattlesnake in the East Valley
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in a pool
Phoenix and Tucson Snake Fence Installations
Likewise, October is a time that many homeowners realize that the fear of having a rattlesnake in the yard is something that can be stopped at any time. Things like making landscaping changes and having a snake fence installed can make a huge difference.
