Here are just some of our snake removal calls we handled in September. It was a pretty typical month, busy with baby rattlesnakes and all of the others working to get some last meals before the fall set in.
A friendly little Sonoran Gophersnake found in a crack in a tree. The homeowners had thought it was a rattlesnake initially, and were relieved when Nick told them it was a harmless species.This was a fun one. A bucket of 6 Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes all found at one property under some dense bushes. This was found on a property inspection in advance of a football-related party … which is good because this bush was right next to the cornhole boards. All snakes relocated safely, and homeowners know more about what to do with those bushes.This little baby rattlesnake found its way into an office building on a rainy night in September. It's generalist camouflage worked surprisingly well against the floor pattern, but not quite good enough for the security guard not to notice. Back to the desert little guy.Wow! Look at this pretty, faded Sonoran Gophersnake found in a woodpile in Mesa. It was released safely, and the homeowner learned a bit more about the woodpile placement. Derek was called to capture this pair of Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes hiding out 2 feet up in a bush. He didn't notice the second one until the first was being gently pulled out. Fall is mating season for many rattlesnakes, and that's likely what was going on here.A pair of rattlesnakes captured at a homeDerek was called to capture this pair of Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes hiding out 2 feet up in a bush. He didn't notice the second one until the first was being gently pulled out. Fall is mating season for many rattlesnakes, and that's likely what was going on here.Derek was called to capture this pair of Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes hiding out 2 feet up in a bush. He didn’t notice the second one until the first was being gently pulled out. Fall is mating season for many rattlesnakes, and that’s likely what was going on here.A tiny rattlesnake found outside a home in the Tucson area. These little guys, when this happened back in September, were all over the place. This one was relocated safely to a better situation.Bryce was able to save this baby Longnosed Snake from a glue trap before it was too late.
Remember that it’s easy to come down on homeowners for these situations, but really, most have NO IDEA that this is what will happen. The majority of homeowners that we meet in these situations are appalled, as you may be, and things change quickly.A dark Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found in a north Phoenix backyard that borders a preserve. The homeowners said it was only the second snake seen there in 20 years, which, more accurately, is the second snake SEEN in 20 years.
While that might sound scary at first, think about it a minute. That means that rattlesnakes are almost always successful in avoiding us. We’ll often get responses to our “did you see it” posts like “I would have been bitten” when a snake is successfully hidden … but overwhelmingly, the actual result is that the person just doesn’t know, and the snake makes its earliest possible retreat after.This Speckled Rattlesnake was found by the maintenance crew and called in for short distance relocation to the adjacent preserve. It was released to a spot carefully selected to emulate the conditions required for this species at that time.This little Mojave Rattlesnake from a north Phoenix apartment complex made it three buildings in from the desert before being spotted. The rest of the complex was searched (this can take awhile) but that day, this is the only one visibleOn the left: a kingsnake. On the right: a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. Both were relocated in separate buckets.Desert Nightsnake found in a kitchenSee the Kingsnake hiding away under this overhang?A tiny Desert Nightsnake caught in a home in PhoenixThis big Gophersnake had just finished eating a rabbit and was moved a short distance at the request of the homeowners.A skinny Sonoran Gophersnake found at a home in Phoenix.A horned lizard! Found on a relocation call, and left in place.Sonoran Gophersnake found in a garageA big Sonoran Gophersnake!Sonoran Gophersnake eating a rabbitA small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake looking for some place to hide in a Phoenix yard, but was relocated instead.rattlesnake removalAnother baby Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found hanging out in the pool area. In addition to being a relatively visit-free area of the yard, the slightly higher ambient humidity may be a factor. This little one was relocated safely.
