A homeowner in Scottsdale was walking past the pool when he noticed a neonate Western Diamondback floating near the skimmer. Fortunately, the snake was alive, just cold and sluggish.
It is not unusual for rattlesnakes to come to a pool to get a drink and accidentally slip in, especially in dry neighborhoods with limited water. This backyard did not have much deep cover, and the narrow strips of desert between homes are not great winter habitat.
After a quick check, we relocated this little rattlesnake to a nearby desert spot with proper rock and plant cover so it can hunker down for the rest of the season. For anyone with a pool, we always recommend installing a product like a Critter Ramp so animals that fall in have a way to climb out.
