Josh received a call from a homeowner who had found a Sonoran Gophersnake sticking its head out of an irrigation valve box in the backyard. Unsure if it was a rattlesnake, the homeowner called for help and described the snake over the phone. Based on the description, Josh explained that it sounded like a Sonoran Gophersnake and reassured him that these snakes are harmless and beneficial for rodent control.
As they were talking, the situation became a little more interesting. The homeowner suddenly spotted a large adult Western Diamondback Rattlesnake cruising through the grass straight toward the irrigation box. Josh immediately headed that way.
While he was en route, the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake apparently decided it wanted to share accommodations with the Sonoran Gophersnake and joined it inside the irrigation box. Upon arrival, Josh carefully opened the lid using his tongs and found both snakes together inside.
The homeowner was happy to leave the Sonoran Gophersnake where it was but requested that the rattlesnake be removed. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was safely secured and released to a wash within its estimated home range, where it quickly disappeared into a deep rodent burrow.
