Rattlesnake Den in the Backyard Discovered

The first rattlesnake call of the year for Nik in Tucson was this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake that had taken advantage of the free rattlesnake den. This situation, where rock of various sizes were stacked on and around access to deeper refugium inadvertently made the perfect conditions for a snake to spend the winter. As with many situations like this we respond to, it can be a surprise for homeowners to learn that they’ve shared the yard with at least one rattlesnake for several months at this point.

The snake was relocated to carefully selected microhabitat with similar qualities as the point of capture. This important detail is missing from the majority of discussion and training on snake relocation, yet may be the key to the whole practice.

Tiger Rattlesnake and Sonoran Desert Toad

Sonoran Desert party time.

This photo of a Tiger Rattlesnake sitting on top of a Sonoran Desert Toad was taken by a homeowner who called us out to provide an estimate for rattlesnake fencing. Homes provide dynamic opportunities for wildlife that may not be abundant in the surrounding, natural area. Shade, cover, conductive thermoregulatory opportunities, water, abundant prey, and so many more.

Finding Rattlesnakes At Home

Some of the common spots where rattlesnakes can be found at homes. In the winter, this nearly always means the snake has stayed for months at this point in close proximity. Garages, sheds, under concrete slabs, etc, are all suspect. Identifying the situation so it can be corrected is reason #424 to ignore the Nexdoor advice to call the fire department for the wildlife services task of rattlesnake relocation.