A very defensive Western Diamondback Rattlesnake with a lot of size on it for February hid its head after the stressful event of being captured. Nick released it into a safe place with enough rodent activity to sustain its healthy weight.
These can be more complicated than expected due to the easy climb opportunities, but this style of fence can also be modified to keep rattlesnakes out by providing a smooth surface to certain specifications. This property north of Phoenix will have an easier summer than last year.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php
A couple of early season relocation calls from Dave in Tucson this week. – A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake that spent the winter in a water control box, and a Desert Spiny Lizard that got itself stuck in a dryer vent (no injury but it’s pride).
A large male Western Diamondback Rattlesnake that was found by the family dog (the dog is fine). Dave was out there in January and found a female, and this male was not present. In developed areas, hibernaculum can be complicated, and lone snakes often make due with whatever is around. This one may have been at a neighbor’s house. The property was searched and the snake relocated to a suitable replacement hibernation spot.
A pest control guy found a rattlesnake under some debris near a packrat nest, and the homeowner called us to have the snake removed. Dave went out and was not only able to find the snake, but recognized the situation as a likely den, and was able to extract a second snake. The homeowner was informed of the situation and how to prevent future visits from rattlesnakes (and therefore visits from Dave, too). Both snakes were moved to a suitable replacement hibernacula.
An essential part of any new build in desert-adjacent areas: professionally installed rattlesnake fencing. Working within both the physical limitations of rattlesnake biology and the HOAs where these homes are often found, this pool area will see a lot of fun and safe summer evenings in the future.
One of a pair of Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes relocated by Dave in the Tucson area this week. This one, a baby, was born last summer and survived its first winter. Thanks to rational homeowners, it will get to see its first spring.
An adult Western Diamondback Rattlesnake that Bryce picked up at a home in the Phoenix area this week. He was relocated to a suitable replacement den.
This Sonoran Gophersnake was crossing the road in front of some dog walkers in Ahwatukee. It made its way to hang out against a garage door by the time Marissa arrived to help it get back to the desert.
Wood-slatted gates on pavers leave a lot of gaps that rattlesnakes can get through. Brent attached smooth surfaces and filled in the rest so that this gate is now ready to keep rattlesnakes out for years to come. From the outside, it looks exactly the same as it always did.
