A landscaper discovered a large Western Diamondback Rattlesnake that crawled into a packrat nest at the base of a large prickly pear. When Dave arrived, he found a second snake of the same size.
Also shown: the circular imprint left behind by a coiled rattlesnake, which is one of the things we look for while inspecting properties for snake activity.
Both snakes were relocated together to the best possible location.



Are kingsnakes dangerous?
No. Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis sp.) are not venomous, and considered harmless. They are common in Arizona, and generally regarded as good luck if they are seen by a homeowner, as they eat rattlesnakes.


Western Diamondback Rattlesnake and Desert Spiny Lizard just hanging out together in the shade by the pool on a hot summer day might be the most Arizona thing ever.

Does snake fencing work?
Yes. Rattlesnake Fencing is extremely effective at keeping rattlesnakes out of a particular area. It doesn’t work for all snakes, however, so discuss this with your snake fence installer. When installed correctly, snake fencing is an excellent option for homeowners who are concerned about rattlesnakes on the property.

Rattlesnake In A Skate Park
An abandoned pool became an impromptu skate park. A skater found this little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake that had dropped in but got stuck. With no place to escape the heat of the day (this bucket wasn’t going to cut it), they saved this snake’s life. Dave helped it get to a better area.



Are rattlesnakes attracted to air conditioning units?
June is when we start to see an increase of rattlesnakes reported by AC units. Does this mean that these structures attract rattlesnakes? Nope! They DO offer out-of-the way areas, often heavily shaded, where rodents can dig under concrete pads. But, just as much of a factor is the human element. A rattlesnake encounter takes two, and summer prompts maintenance and repair of these units as they fight for their lives against the heat.
Can you see this one? Take your time.

Another backyard that rattlesnakes can’t enter, thanks to recently installed rattlesnake fencing by our licensed and insured team. The black option is hard to see even from an angle.
These posts are great because they almost always get at least one comment like “they’ll just crawl right in those gaps!”, which of course is taken care of. By zooming in, the mesh is just barely visible, leaving no gap. So keep those comments coming; you’re proving our point 😉
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social

Do bird blocks attract rattlesnakes?
Yes, providing food for prey items, like birds, can bring rattlesnakes closer to homes. On a recent Rattlesnake Fence consultation, Jeff took a few minutes to search for the rattlesnake that the homeowner had reported seeing, which prompted the call to get a quote for the fencing. He saw a bird feeding station, which is more or less a rattlesnake magnet … and found the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake resting in the shade.

This Gila Monster was seen living under an electrical box. The problem: workers needed to access it to do some work, and they needed to get underneath it in order to do it. To avoid potential injury to the animal, they called us out to help. James got there and eventually it was coaxed out safely.
Fortunately, this area is familiar to me and I’ve spent a lot of time surveying Gila Monster dens in the area, and know where many are withink this animal’s likely home range. It was hiked in at night to a known multi-monster den and released directly to cover, so it can “try again” within its own home range, minus one electrical box.



You’ll have to zoom in close to see the black mesh between these bars, keeping rattlesnakes away from the home. Rattlesnake fencing, when properly installed, is very effective at separating dogs and kids from wildlife.

The first relocation call for an Arizona Black Rattlesnake of the season. Dane went to a home near Dewey to find this situation. Multiple water stations had been set up to help local wildlife – and the local wildlife showed up.
The snake was carefully relocated to a suitable situation within its estimated home range.

An apartment complex in north Phoenix was home to this large Western Diamondback Rattlesnake . The hole in the wall just behind the snake is a clutter-filled utility area, where this snake has likely been using for years as a summer retreat. The property manager said the snake was first seen leaving a fountain near the front office, several feet from the location of capture.
Water and shelter, all in one spot? Of course there’s a snake 🙂 Much can be done in such situations to prevent visits from the locals.
Greyson moved the snake to a nearby preserve, to suitable conditions for the hot, dry conditions.

Recently completed rattlesnake fencing, covering the entire perimeter of the backyard. This will be the first summer this home has had without a rattlesnake visitor.



A Sonoran Gophersnake on a call a little earlier in the year, hiding out in the backyard. These are harmless snakes of course, but the idea of sharing an area with snakes of any kind can take a little while to get used to. These are learning opportunities, where the snake is relocated, and the homeowner gets a lot of information and time to for it to settle.
This one, interestingly, has a very diamondback-ish pattern on the first third of its body! If this were coiled up it is easy to see how someone would think it’s a rattlesnake.
More about why we sometimes relocate harmless snakes: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/snakeblog/rattlesnake-solutions/why-relocate-harmless-snakes/

This little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was coiled up by a pot on the back patio. It had succeeded in hunting, and had a full belly with a rodent, lizard, or small bird tucked away in there. It was very carefully scooped up and relocated to a better spot to digest its hard-won prize. Good luck!

Inside the fence: kids, pets, bare toes, fun times without stress
Outside the fence: rattlesnakes living their best life safe from humans
This is what sustainable living in the desert looks like. It’s easier than you think, and we can make it happen for you.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php

A homeowner stepped out into the garage and, and felt something squishy under her foot. She’d accidentally stepped on this Sonoran Gophersnake … and they both went their separate ways after that rather quickly. Marissa found it behind some boxes, without any noticeable injury.

There’s a reason why we added Ball Pythons to our website’s snake identification guide: we are called to get them more often than many of our native species. This one was found on the second floor of a storage facility.
We do what we can to find these lost snakes new homes. If it’s possible to find the owner, we do. However, with the very real danger of the introduction of dangerous parasites and disease to our educational display snakes, we do not have a safe quarantine method to house and care for the variety of released and escaped pet snakes like this. So as much as we’d always like a happy reunion with its owner, this just isn’t realistic. Thankfully, there are many people in the world of pet snakes who always step up when needed to help these animals land in safe surroundings.

“Nothing to see here but us pipes.”
– Mr. Sneaky, Sonoran Gophersnake, Mesa, AZ

This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found hopelessly stuck in a rodent snap trap (much better than poison! but that’s another topic). These can be dangerous situations. It was freed, carefully, but was limp and lifeless, seemingly dead. However, previous experience indicated that the snake may just have been unconscious, with pressure from the trap on its lung and heart. It was taken to our building to monitor, and a couple of hours later it was up and about without any major injuries. The next day, it was taken back and released within its natural home range.

A backyard that won’t need to worry about rattlesnakes this year. With rattlesnake fencing installed both above and under ground and a full perimeter stealed up, the pool is ready for stress-free use.

More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
AZROC 321123
The pet sitter found this Arizona Black Rattlesnake hiding out in a small dog run on a 9 acre property near Humboldt. There were rodent bait boxes in the area, and a decomposing mouse very close to the snake. This, and the easy shade/hiding opportunity, are factors that led to this snake being at the home. Dane took great care to relocate this snake to a suitable spot within its estimated home range.



This young Sonoran Gophersnake was called in as a rattlesnake, which is a pretty common thing to happen in Tucson. Nick helped it to a different spot, being very careful to release it to the right place, and the homeowner learned all about these harmless snakes.
More about why we sometimes relocate harmless snakes: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/snakeblog/rattlesnake-solutions/why-relocate-harmless-snakes/

From Jeff “This western diamondback was seen by the homeowner while out in the yard picking up after their dog. The snake was curled up next to a bike tire. There were small gaps by the gate and the back of the yard also had a few openings but I believe it came in through the gap between the house and the wall. The yard was full of snake loving landscape, low bushes with debris under them. Quick easy capture and hiked into the desert for a release into a pack rat nest. Tried to give him water but he wasn’t interested.”

Sometimes the most important part of a rattlesnake fence is the part you can’t see. We have a method of working with the trenched-in part of the fencing that prevents rodents from digging under it, even in soft soil like this. More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social




From Apryl on a recent call: “Small coachwhip found behind storage shed in swimming pool fence area. Wife wanted it removed either way as she was getting ready to host a pool party. It was their first snake in 5 years at their new build home. Lots of trash and debris in side yard for critters to live in. They were also already aware that they had some rodent activity. Encouraged possible coexistence for next time after sending a pic to us for identification, if they liked it in the future. This was a fun call and a zesty little friend to meet. Southwest Phoenix near Estrella Mountain “


Before and after. Three Desert Nightsnakes got through a gap in the corner of the garage and got trapped in a sticky trap. Jeff was able to get them off, very carefully, but the banded gecko didn’t make it. All of the snakes had some scale damage and separation of skin from underlying muscle from their struggle. They were transferred to our office to recover. One, unfortunately, died that night. The other two are still recovering, but look to be making a full recovery soon.


Some in-bucket shots of snakes from recent relocations.




Western diamondback hiding beside an iguana statue in the doorway of a home in East Tucson. The snake was relocated, the iguana was not.

An Arizona Black Rattlesnake was spotted by a homeowner in Yavapai Hills. It was first seen at the back entrance of the house, but crawled into these dense bushes. Dane was able to find it, and move it to another spot within its home range.


A Sonoran Gophersnake made a visit while Daylan and Mark were busy installing a rattlesnake fence. These common snakes can have a hard time getting into rattlesnake-fenced yards, and can still get in on occasion … though as harmless snakes, this isn’t the intended target of the fencing. The snake was admired a bit before being moved a short distance to be out of harm’s way while the installation continued.


A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was hiding out under this trash can, having accessed the yard through a gap at the bottom of the gate. When Apryl released the snake to suitable cover, it was ready to go and just went for it.


A temporary placement of cardboard boxes became a refuge for a pretty Blacktailed Rattlesnake. Dane was called out and the snake was released up the mountainside to suitable cover.



A young Arizona Black Rattlesnake was found behind a trashcan mid-afternoon at a mountainside home in the Prescott National Forest. This is only the second rattlesnake seen by the homeowners in 20 years, though certainly many more have visited in that time. Dane carefully collected it to release elsewhere within its home range.



From Austin: “Homeowner called about an unknown snake in her garage. Upon arrival I was able to locate this gopher snake very quickly thanks to her having minimal clutter in her garage. The home did not have much useful habitat in either the front or back yard so the snake was likely waiting out the heat of the day in the garage. Snake was taken to a nearby golf course and released into deep cover in a wash that runs through the edge of the course.”


This large courtyard is now inaccessible by rattlesnakes of all sizes.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social

From Austin’s notes on a recent relocation: “Homeowner called about a Western Diamondback in her backyard just outside of her back door. Yard did not have much useful habitat but both side gates had large gaps underneath, so the snake likely entered through there and was just unable to find a way back out. Took this senior citizen to a nice wash with tall walls and lots of hiding places with rodent activity away from homes, but still close enough that it was within the snake’s home range.”




Elias working on a side gate, which will no longer be an access point to the property for rattlesnakes.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social

Notes from Maggie on a recent relocation call: “Customer called and stated he saw a small snake behind a large package by front door. Unsure of identification. Upon arrival, I found a small gophersnake on the move by the front walkway. I was above to remove it quickly. I then checked both yards and garage to ease the customers mind. The snake potentially came from neighboring desert via nearby wash. Customer has some standing water and a pool, but otherwise clean yard. I released the snake into a heavily vegetated wash with many rodent holes in the desert backing up to the community. “
More about why we sometimes relocate harmless snakes: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/snakeblog/rattlesnake-solutions/why-relocate-harmless-snakes/


An Arizona Black Rattlesnake was seen cruising across the driveway at a home in central Arizona. Dane came out to help the snake along to the drainage system where it spends its summers.


A large Western Diamondback Rattlesnake taking adantage of a shady area in a Vail backyard. The adjacent landscape … all of it … had just been bulldozed for the latest block of homes in the area, so this old snake was out of options. Thankfully Nick was called and he took great care to get it to the best situation possible, where it will hopefully continue to thrive.


Jeff was called to a home in Cave Creek for a rattlesnake, which ended up being this feisty Sonoran Gophersnake. It got a ride to a safer area for all involved.
More about why we sometimes relocate harmless snakes: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/snakeblog/rattlesnake-solutions/why-relocate-harmless-snakes/

This courtyard got some upgrades! Modifications to the gate and several gaps and drains mean that no rattlesnake is able to get in, of any age, species, or size.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social


A homeowner saw a speckled rattlesnake in his garage last night. He is selling the house and it’s currently empty. There was some rolled-up carpet in the garage, and the snake was behind it. There have been people in and out so it may have snuck in while the garage was open.
The home is on a steep, rocky hillside. The homeowner let Marissa go right up the side from the property to release into suitable cover. This snake may be pregnant, so requires some extra consideration.
