It’s a record-breaking summer, with more days over 100˚F than ever before. This presents a lot of challenges for wildlife, often putting them in conflict with people. We don’t yet know exactly how this will affect rattlesnakes in the long term, but we can say that this year we have been exceptionally busy. Rattlesnakes and other animals must find shelter and water wherever they can, and the mini-oasis provided by the average Arizona backyard doesn’t go unnoticed. Here are more Arizona snake removal and rattlesnake prevention stories from around the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas in recent times.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was just barely visible to the homeowner, tucked into the shade near the front entryway. These are convenient hiding spots for wildlife, and we’re often called to move snakes from this situation.
If life were a Disney movie, these two would be singing a song together as best friends. In reality, the homeowner who discovered this Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake likely saved this Desert Spiny Lizard’s life in the process of having it moved from this spot.
This unfortunate Sonoran Gophersnake found something to eat, but was then too fat to get back through the door frame and got stuck. Marissa was very gentle working it free, and the snake was released right back to the yard where it belongs.
A homeowner in Mesa saw a snake lost inside her home, which escaped from her by crawling straight up the gap in the door. Here’s how it was when Marissa arrived to capture it, and how it looked before it was released to dart off into the desert.
A large Sonoran Gophersnake in Ahwatukee that was called in as a rattlesnake. These animals can make loud sounds and shake their tails, which can easily seem to be a rattlesnake in a dark corner. Marissa moved it to a better situation.
While looking for a rattlesnake, Marissa put some water under a gap in this wall and TWO Sonoran Gophersnakes popped out the other side. The homeowner, knowing that these are harmless animals, opted to leave them in place.
From Jeff: “Mojave rattlesnake relocated from a backyard in Gilbert. The interesting thing about this was that it was very much in the middle of established development. The species is holding on in water retention basins in the middle of subdivisions. “
Properly installed rattlesnake fencing is resistant to rodent digging and erosion with specialized trenching techniques. On projects like this one in soft soil, much of the work involved is below the surface.
Well, this is awkward. A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake got stuck in a plastic bottle, making for a dangerous situation for all involved. Thankfully, the homeowner spotted the snake and Tim went out to rescue it. Using a snake tube to safely restrain the “pointy” end, the bottle was carefully cut away. The snake was then taken back to its home range and released to carefully selected microhabitat, directly into cover, with no injuries.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake decided to huddle up in the corner of a Scottsdale patio after noticing the homeowners.
From Bryce: “This coachwhip managed to get itself VERY stuck in some weather stripping along the front entrance of a home in Scottsdale. After a lot of patience, olive oil, wiggling, and some plier work I managed to set her free in a much better place where she can munch on some baby diamondbacks this upcoming season. “
Some Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes from recent relocation calls. The species can take on many subtle variations but generally has a pattern that could be described as more chaotic than the Mojave Rattlesnake, for which it is often mistaken.
Which of these recent relocations is not a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake?
Rattlesnake fencing installed this year will make this backyard a much more relaxed place next Spring.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake from erosion control rock at a new development in north Phoenix. It suffered a minor wound while a well-meaning construction worker tried to get it off the road, but it will heal up just fine and was relocated immediately.
From CJ: “My first climber. Customer said the rattlesnake began climbing a Bignonia vine in his backyard and thought it had escaped back to the wash behind the wall. After inspecting the initial vine and the wash I was surprised to see this atrox (Western Diamondback Rattlesnake) a little above eye level for me on another Bignonia. Found it a nice tunnel underneath a yucca in habitat nearby. Also cruised this baby longnose as I was leaving the property. Scottsdale.”
A big Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found hanging out on a patio in a Catalina Foothills neighborhood. Nik went out to help it find a better spot to be.
This very gravid (pregnant) Western Diamondback Rattlesnakewas found in a Scottsdale backyard in August, surrounded by perfect habitat. CJ was already in the neighborhood, having just caught a smaller one at a neighbors’ house. Both were released to the same spot, being from the same home range.
An Ahwatukee homeowner was watering his lush courtyard when he spotted a snake slither across his foot in August. He wasn’t sure what kind it was, so called us out to check it out. Marissa found the snake; a small Sonoran Gophersnake.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake resting during the heat of the day in a shaded corner of a Scottsdale home. The snake was captured and moved carefully to an appropriately-shaded location. It is important to emulate the situation of capture to ensure the survival of the snake, and reduce the chances of future encounters with people.
A damp spot at the base of a tree makes for a nice spot for a rattlesnake to stay cool in August heat. This one was found in Scottsdale, and relocated to carefully selected situation where it can survive the deadly conditions.
This snake was sent in for identification. The response: a Coachwhip!
This beautiful Longnosed Snake was trapped in a skimmer for at least a day back in August. The homeowner thought it would be able to escape on its own, but unfortunately it needed some help. Marissa went to get it out, and it was just fine, thankfully. The kind homeowner knew it was a harmless species, and allowed it to be released right back into the yard.
This packrat midden was found on a recent inspection of a property to find situations which may be attracting rattlesnakes. Removing nests like this can greatly reduce the chances of a rattlesnake encounter at home. The homeowner was then informed on what can be done.
For more information on our Property Inspection service: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/rattlesnake-prevention.php
A recently completed Rattlesnake Fence installation from our experienced, licensed, and insured crew.
On a yearly inspection of a property in Scottsdale, a pair of large shed skins were found. Both were from the harmless California Kingsnake, a harmless species typically welcome in in the yard. The homeowner was informed and no other signs of snake activity were found.
For more information on our Property Inspection service: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/rattlesnake-prevention.php
A very gravid (pregnant) Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found under a bush in the backyard. The night before, a different rattlesnake was found and relocated from the front yard. The property had not seen a rattlesnake in the seven years prior, so the homeowners were a bit surprised by the sudden activity.
A Desert Nightsnake was trapped in a sticky trap placed inside the garage by the homeowner’s pest control company. The snake was, thankfully, still very alive and was able to be freed. It was released back to the property, with the permission of the homeowner, after the remaining sticky traps were discarded.
If your pest control company has these out in your garage, please consider that something like this is a likely result. Not just snakes, but birds, all types of lizards, even larger animals lose their lives to these traps.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found on an inspection of an industrial facility recently. This is one of many in the weeks this one has been visited. These kinds of recurring property inspections can provide much needed eyes on potentially dangerous situations where workers could encounter rattlesnakes.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was spotted by the homeowners the night before, and they had hoped it would leave the area. But, in the morning, it was spotted hiding out near this pot. It was safely relocated to a carefully selected spot within its estimated home range.
Next to a backyard pond, complete with a fake little snake, this Mojave Rattlesnake found a nice spot to stay cool. It was moved to another location with similar properties, which is an essential aspect of successful snake relocation.
A Mojave Rattlesnake taking advantage of a shady patio in Scottsdale back in August. There are still a few locations where this species can be found in north Scottsdale, though they will not likely last long.
