Another expertly installed rattlesnake fence by the crew! Thanks to Brent, Baylend, Mark and Ethan for their work on this one. Pool day just got less stressful for one home in Scottsdale.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing:https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
Addie was clearing a fence line to trench for a rattlesnake fence installation with Josh and Mike, and found a big Western Diamondback Rattlesnake under a bush in the work zone. With a lot of dense vegetation and water available, this wasn’t a surprise (and part of the reason our crew was out there to install a rattlesnake fence, of course). Mike safely captured and relocated the snake to nearby habitat so the installation could continue safely for all involved.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
After finishing a snake fence installation, Addie was leaving and spotted this emaciated kingsnake crawling around a parking lot. It’s been a very hard summer for animals this year.
A new rattlesnake fence installation at this large property looking great! By great, we mean you can barely see it unless you’re looking for it.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was at a model home in Peoria, just trying to welcome people to the new development.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was just barely visible in this potted plant in a Phoenix backyard. The shade, water, and cover make for a great spot for a thirsty animal to hang out over the summer. The yard had some snake fencing installed by a landscaper or similar, which was only partially completed, making more of a snake trap than a deterrent, unfortunately. Cheyenne safely captured the snake and advised on having the snake fence replaced.
Soft soil made this property a bit of a challenge. In these situations, we need to make sure the mesh extends deeper underground, with some extra methods, to make sure rodents don’t compromise the perimeter and rattlesnakes won’t be able to get in. This one took a lot of work, but turned out great.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing:https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake taking advantage of a dripping pipe in 110˚ weather. Without ways to hide and stay cool, these temperatures can be lethal to rattlesnakes very quickly. This can make relocating them especially challenging during the summer months, but Nick was able to find a deep, dark spot for it to get out of the heat.
Watch that last step!
Small snakes are often found inside homes. This Western Groundsnake is one of the most common species to find in these situations. Austin responded to a call to Mesa to retrieve this one, which was described as a much larger snake initially. This one is certainly not a big snake, but it’s pretty large for a groundsnake! It was released to some watered-grass within its home range so it can continue eating bugs and being cool.
A Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake was seen hanging out by the fron door of a Phoenix home for a few days. With temperatures above 115˚F that day, this snake was not going to leave its cool hiding spot next to the water. Marissa helped it get to a better spot, directly into deep cover that would be suitable for a naturally aestivating speckled rattlesnake.
A homeowner found this second rattlesnake inside the perimeter of a backyard that had snake fencing installed (not by Rattlesnake Solutions). The first was a larger Western Diamondback Rattlesnake that left before Joss arrived. There were some openings left by whoever had installed it, which had not been addressed.
Rattlesnakes near front entrances of homes are common. You can help keep them moving along by keeping the corners free of decorative elements, pots, etc. This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found a nice hiding spot behind a monkey (that’s a fun sentence). Marissa helped the snake get to a better spot.
A perfect aestivation spot to beat the summer heat – a packrat nest at the base of a pool pump. Out of the way, higher ambient moisture, few visitors, and insulated by a busy roommate (the packrat!). The snake was just barely visible, with only a small bit of scaley skin seen through the twigs and sticks. The other photo, with the rattle disappearing, is the replacement packrat midden where Joss released it later.
A visitor while Mark and Brent were working on a rattlesnake fence installation. This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was likely a regular visitor to the backyard, but now has to find another spot to hide out.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake showed up on the job site for our newest snake fence installation apprentice, Ethan. Work stopped for just a bit to carefully collect the snake to get some mutually-beneficial space while the installation continued. These moments can be important for our team, to always remember why we are there and how important every detail is in the installation process.
The homeowner in Chandler went into the garage to grab something when she saw the snake stuck in a sticky trap by the back door. It was a juvenile gophersnake. Marissa was able to get the snake free, with what look to be superficial injuries. It was released to keep doing they do best: remove far more rodents from the environment than these sticky traps ever will.
A homeowner let the dog out into the backyard and hear that “strange bark” that alerts so many homeowners to a visitor. The snake moved around in the yard while Marissa was on route, and it was found in the back corner cruising around in the bit of shade that was left. Heat in even mid morning right now can be deadly, so this snake may have been displaced and got lucky that it was seen and moved to a cooler area.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found behind a backyard grill in Tucson. Derek brought it to a safer spot.
CJ was called to pick up a little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake on a Sunday morning. It was in a bit of an odd place, at a home on the interior of the community with no obvious access through the maze of stucco and cinderblock to the spot it was found. He found a nice, dense shaded area with a series of rodent burrows to release it, outside of the neighborhoods.
It’s very hard to see the materials added to this viewfence that make it inaccessible to rattlesnakes. It’s so hard to see, in fact, that if we just post photos like this without mentioning it, we get all kinds of angry faces in our comments. Thanks for proving the point, fellas!
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
A homeowner went to get package from a doorstep and spotted something else instead. This young Western Diamondback Rattlesnake had found something to eat that was likely almost as big as it was, so Jeff was very careful to handle as gently as possible to make sure it didn’t lose its hard-won meal. He found a deep packrat nest to release it to.
A homeowner called for a rattlesnake in the backyard. Austin found this large Western Diamondback Rattlesnake settling into some flat dirt between a couple of bushes. The home backs up directly to the open desert, so the property was essentially an oasis, offering some water and shade in these brutal conditions. The snake was taken into the nearby preserve to find the right spot – a dense packrat midden nestled into rocks in a location where aestivation is likely already happening.
Jeff found this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake resting in a backyard while putting together an estimate for rattlesnake fencing at a property near Tucson. Sometimes, the need for the preventative service make themselves obivous.
From Greyson: “Got called out to Morristown/Wickenburg to capture this stunner of a speckled rattlesnake. The fountain it’s located in sits next to a main wash that is overlooked by a cliff face where this snake has likely spent its entire life. The property is essentially an oasis, it sits on the mouth of a wash nestled between two cliffs. “
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was hiding out in the shade in mid-day heat. Nick found it on a property inspection near Oro Valley.
For more information on our Property Inspection service: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/rattlesnake-prevention.php
Greyson made a friend in a backyard in the Vistancia area. The backyard had some “snake fencing” that was the wrong size, wrong height, had lots of gaps, and otherwise was unfortunately just a waste of money for the homeowners. Internally we call this “the landscaper special”, an example of why we got into the snake fencing game to begin with. Greyson found a better home for this snake.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was discovered by the homeowner when she went out to feed the horses. She tried to capture the snake, but ultimately decided it was safest to wait for a professional to arrive. The barn was much cooler than the rest of the area, making it hard for an animal to resist when it’s as hot as it is outside right now. Marissa helped the snake along to a better spot to aestivate.
Well, that’s one way to try to get over snake fencing.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was spotted by a resident at an apartment complex, apparently waiting for the elevator. Thankfully, it was safely moved to a better spot before [insert elevator-themed joke of your choice]
The pool guy walked into the backyard and spotted this snake headed towards the gate, and got out of there. Marissa arrived shortly after to try and find it … but had no luck in the backyard where it was last seen. She thought to check the neighbor’s property, and sure enough, the snake was coiled in the shade in the courtyard.
Wow, this property turned out amazing! Rattlesnake Fence installation from Elias and Daylan. No gaps, no climbable surfaces, trenched in and secure.
Hey buddy, can’t you read the sign???
While tending to outdoor plants, a homeowner noticed she had a visitor. The patio is a nice, shady area with some higher ambient moisture thanks to the plants, so seemed like a nice place to hang out. The homeowner didn’t agree, however, so Cory went out to help the snake find a better spot to be.
The homeowner noticed a small snake curled up in a shaded corner of the front entryway. He sent a photo to chatgpt, which correctly identified it as a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. For all the fun stuff AI can do, however, it still can’t catch a rattlesnake. So, Maggie went out and helped the snake along to a packrat nest where it can stay out of the heat.
Dane went out to this house around midnight to pick up a Mojave Rattlesnake in the Prescott Valley area, and got another call in the morning for a second snake. This is at a large subdivision backed up to open grassland, so the presence of homes is more or less an oasis situation. This snake got a ride back to a safer spot.
And … notice the color of this snake is not green. Mojaves in this area seldom are.
A homeowner let her dog out and heard it barking at something it had cornered in the back of the yard. She then saw the big rattlesnake and got the dog inside, unharmed. Marissa caught the snake slithering alongtryihng to escape the property. The home backed up to some desert and a nice drainage area, so she helped it do just that. Along the way, this sign says it all about what it’s like to work outside this time of year 🙂
A dog spotted this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in the yard. Thankfully, the homeowner was back there as well and was able to get the pup inside safely. The backyard wasn’t especially shade, so this snake was just a visitor, though as almost all rattlesnakes are found during the peak heat of summer, has been living very nearby for quite some time.
Another rattlesnake spotted while taking measurements for a rattlesnake fencing quote. Jeff spotted this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hiding out in the shade at a property in Tucson.
With abundant natural habitat nearby, installing a physical barrier to keep them out of the situation of most critical contact is effective and sustainable. It’s a win-win for wildlife that is often otherwise killed on sight, and homeowners that want to enjoy their backyards with small children and pets.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
This Chuckwalla was living near a front door. It’s an entirely harmless animal, but we know by now what happens if we push too hard on that fact and refuse to help.
Reptiles, even harmless ones, often scare people. Especially “our” side of things, it’s easy to forget people are often conditioned from childhood to fear these animals. Curing that isn’t as simple, and can take some time, eduction, and more than anything, the will to change it. We do all we can.
In the meantime, when a second chuck showed up, they were gently fished out of the gap by the door and moved to nearby boulders.
More about why we sometimes relocate harmless snakes: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/snakeblog/rattlesnake-solutions/why-relocate-harmless-snakes/
A homeowner called to have a leaking outdoor faucet repaired. It was in a shaded courtyard, making for a pretty good spot to spend the heat of the day. The plumber came, he reported “two rattlesnakes” under the overhang of the home. Marissa arrived and found two large Sonoran Gophersnakes hiding out under there. The homeowner let them stay, with this news 🙂
A small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake by the front door. This is also a good example of why sometimes, relocating a snake is necessary. It’s easy to be idealistic and imagine people with visitors, kids, and packages coming can ignore this situation. It’s lazy to blame them for having purchased a home and existing in modern times. However, both are useless; these situations warrant responsible action, which in this case was to place the young snake into a carefully selected spot within its existing home range, and discussing the situation with homeowners to help prevent the next encounter.
On a recent rattlesnake fence installation, Brent and Mark were working right above this young Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. When they were finished, this little one won’t be able to visit the back patio any more, and will need to remain in the wild areas on the other side of the fence.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
Can you identify each of these snakes from recent relocation calls?
Grant and Daylan finishing up a flawless rattlesnake fencing job! It’s hard to see (so much that people even comment on our socials about it not being there, haha) and takes nothing away from the aesthetics of the property … unless rattlesnakes on the patio are part of the look.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
A homeowner came out to water plants and spotted a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake coiled near the hose. The courtyard was surrounded by a wall, with two gates with easy access underneath for an animal that’s only an inch tall. This is an example of the kind of encounter that can be prevented by a rattlesnake fence with a relatively easy adjustment.
The gophersnake was the first snake seen by the homeowner, as it cruised around the garage. Then, the she saw the rattlesnake, hopelessly stuck in a glue trap in the corner. Marissa was able to safely rescue the rattlesnake, and give the gophersnake a ride to a safer situation for all involved.
Wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world travel to Arizona each year for a chance of seeing a Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake … but in Phoenix they’re just hanging out in the courtyard. Marissa helped this pretty one back to the adjacent preserve recently.
A gate modified to seal up the gaps that would otherwise be easy access for rattlesnakes to join the pool party this summer.
The previous night, the neighbors saw a rattlesnake on their doorbell camera. So the homeowners thought to check around a bit, and found the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake coiled up behind the AC unit. Unfortunately, the entire area had just been bulldozed for new construction, and there was no remaining habitat for this snake. As a result, it had to go a bit further than we’d prefer, but for situations like this, it’s the only option.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake cruising around a Tucson courtyard. Nick helped it get where it needed to be.
Of the common yard plants available, few are as rattlesnake-friendly as rosemary. They are dense, use a lot of water, and create endless layers of leaf litter to hide in. It’s not uncommon for us to find multiple rattlesnakes hiding in a single bush, often without the homeowners knowing about it. The irony: the rumors of rosemary repelling rattlesnakes is sometimes the reason people have it at all.
Here, just barely visible, is a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake that Marissa found coiled in a rosemary in Scottsdale.
A homeowner in Cave Creek watched this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake crawling around on a nice day, eventually going to hide under a little statue. That’s where it sat until Marissa arrived to capture it, and help it find a better spot to be.
Rattlesnake fencing can create a protected space where you and your pets can live safely, surrounded by the natural environment, but not in conflict with it. Here’s one we recently completed.
While out in the front yard, a homeowner saw this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake move into the neighbors’ yard. The snake was trying to find some shade, and was unable to get into the couryard due to rattlesnake fencing that we’d installed at both properties. Instead, it got a ride to a shaded spot in the desert.
Bites from a recent Property Inspection service:
“This boulder area has a large packrat nest, and signs of a lot of activity. The combination of structure and long-term insulated nesting , as well as being out of the area of general activity on the property, mean that this is a very useful location for rattlesnakes. We advise removing the packrat nest, and monitoring the area going forward.”
For more information on our Property Inspection service: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/rattlesnake-prevention.php
Mark and Daylan from the snake fence team got a real-life demonstration while installing a snake fence, when a big Sonoran Gophersnake showed up. They helped it to a nearby packrat nest so they could continue working without accidentally stepping on the little guy.
Fun times in the Catalina Foothills. When the homeowners pulled into the garage, they were met at eye-level with a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake climbing around in stored stuff. It was still up there when Nick arrived awhile later to help it get outside.
Jeff saw this Gila Monster crossing a roadway while out getting rattlesnake fence estimates together, and got a quick photo before heading to the next appointment.
With triple digit temperatures on the horizon, rattlesnake activity will largely take place at night. That means that most encounters will happen in the early morning, or just after dark (while taking out the trash is very common). Pets, unfortunately, also will encounter them while unattended in the backyard on those first and last bathroom runs.
If you don’t yet have rattlesnake fencing, and have dogs who like putting noses on things, now’s a good time to get on our schedule.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
