A homeowner came out to water plants and spotted a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake coiled near the hose. The courtyard was surrounded by a wall, with two gates with easy access underneath for an animal that’s only an inch tall. This is an example of the kind of encounter that can be prevented by a rattlesnake fence with a relatively easy adjustment.
The gophersnake was the first snake seen by the homeowner, as it cruised around the garage. Then, the she saw the rattlesnake, hopelessly stuck in a glue trap in the corner. Marissa was able to safely rescue the rattlesnake, and give the gophersnake a ride to a safer situation for all involved.
Wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world travel to Arizona each year for a chance of seeing a Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake … but in Phoenix they’re just hanging out in the courtyard. Marissa helped this pretty one back to the adjacent preserve recently.
A gate modified to seal up the gaps that would otherwise be easy access for rattlesnakes to join the pool party this summer.
The previous night, the neighbors saw a rattlesnake on their doorbell camera. So the homeowners thought to check around a bit, and found the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake coiled up behind the AC unit. Unfortunately, the entire area had just been bulldozed for new construction, and there was no remaining habitat for this snake. As a result, it had to go a bit further than we’d prefer, but for situations like this, it’s the only option.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake cruising around a Tucson courtyard. Nick helped it get where it needed to be.
Of the common yard plants available, few are as rattlesnake-friendly as rosemary. They are dense, use a lot of water, and create endless layers of leaf litter to hide in. It’s not uncommon for us to find multiple rattlesnakes hiding in a single bush, often without the homeowners knowing about it. The irony: the rumors of rosemary repelling rattlesnakes is sometimes the reason people have it at all.
Here, just barely visible, is a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake that Marissa found coiled in a rosemary in Scottsdale.
A homeowner in Cave Creek watched this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake crawling around on a nice day, eventually going to hide under a little statue. That’s where it sat until Marissa arrived to capture it, and help it find a better spot to be.
Rattlesnake fencing can create a protected space where you and your pets can live safely, surrounded by the natural environment, but not in conflict with it. Here’s one we recently completed.
While out in the front yard, a homeowner saw this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake move into the neighbors’ yard. The snake was trying to find some shade, and was unable to get into the couryard due to rattlesnake fencing that we’d installed at both properties. Instead, it got a ride to a shaded spot in the desert.
Bites from a recent Property Inspection service:
“This boulder area has a large packrat nest, and signs of a lot of activity. The combination of structure and long-term insulated nesting , as well as being out of the area of general activity on the property, mean that this is a very useful location for rattlesnakes. We advise removing the packrat nest, and monitoring the area going forward.”
Mark and Daylan from the snake fence team got a real-life demonstration while installing a snake fence, when a big Sonoran Gophersnake showed up. They helped it to a nearby packrat nest so they could continue working without accidentally stepping on the little guy.
Fun times in the Catalina Foothills. When the homeowners pulled into the garage, they were met at eye-level with a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake climbing around in stored stuff. It was still up there when Nick arrived awhile later to help it get outside.
Jeff saw this Gila Monster crossing a roadway while out getting rattlesnake fence estimates together, and got a quick photo before heading to the next appointment.
With triple digit temperatures on the horizon, rattlesnake activity will largely take place at night. That means that most encounters will happen in the early morning, or just after dark (while taking out the trash is very common). Pets, unfortunately, also will encounter them while unattended in the backyard on those first and last bathroom runs.
If you don’t yet have rattlesnake fencing, and have dogs who like putting noses on things, now’s a good time to get on our schedule.
A landscaper discovered a large Western Diamondback Rattlesnake that crawled into a packrat nest at the base of a large prickly pear. When Dave arrived, he found a second snake of the same size.
Also shown: the circular imprint left behind by a coiled rattlesnake, which is one of the things we look for while inspecting properties for snake activity.
Both snakes were relocated together to the best possible location.
Are kingsnakes dangerous?
No. Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis sp.) are not venomous, and considered harmless. They are common in Arizona, and generally regarded as good luck if they are seen by a homeowner, as they eat rattlesnakes.
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake and Desert Spiny Lizard just hanging out together in the shade by the pool on a hot summer day might be the most Arizona thing ever.
Does snake fencing work?
Yes. Rattlesnake Fencing is extremely effective at keeping rattlesnakes out of a particular area. It doesn’t work for all snakes, however, so discuss this with your snake fence installer. When installed correctly, snake fencing is an excellent option for homeowners who are concerned about rattlesnakes on the property.
Rattlesnake In A Skate Park
An abandoned pool became an impromptu skate park. A skater found this little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake that had dropped in but got stuck. With no place to escape the heat of the day (this bucket wasn’t going to cut it), they saved this snake’s life. Dave helped it get to a better area.
Are rattlesnakes attracted to air conditioning units?
June is when we start to see an increase of rattlesnakes reported by AC units. Does this mean that these structures attract rattlesnakes? Nope! They DO offer out-of-the way areas, often heavily shaded, where rodents can dig under concrete pads. But, just as much of a factor is the human element. A rattlesnake encounter takes two, and summer prompts maintenance and repair of these units as they fight for their lives against the heat.
Can you see this one? Take your time.
Another backyard that rattlesnakes can’t enter, thanks to recently installed rattlesnake fencing by our licensed and insured team. The black option is hard to see even from an angle.
These posts are great because they almost always get at least one comment like “they’ll just crawl right in those gaps!”, which of course is taken care of. By zooming in, the mesh is just barely visible, leaving no gap. So keep those comments coming; you’re proving our point 😉
Yes, providing food for prey items, like birds, can bring rattlesnakes closer to homes. On a recent Rattlesnake Fence consultation, Jeff took a few minutes to search for the rattlesnake that the homeowner had reported seeing, which prompted the call to get a quote for the fencing. He saw a bird feeding station, which is more or less a rattlesnake magnet … and found the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake resting in the shade.
This Gila Monster was seen living under an electrical box. The problem: workers needed to access it to do some work, and they needed to get underneath it in order to do it. To avoid potential injury to the animal, they called us out to help. James got there and eventually it was coaxed out safely.
Fortunately, this area is familiar to me and I’ve spent a lot of time surveying Gila Monster dens in the area, and know where many are withink this animal’s likely home range. It was hiked in at night to a known multi-monster den and released directly to cover, so it can “try again” within its own home range, minus one electrical box.
You’ll have to zoom in close to see the black mesh between these bars, keeping rattlesnakes away from the home. Rattlesnake fencing, when properly installed, is very effective at separating dogs and kids from wildlife.
The first relocation call for an Arizona Black Rattlesnake of the season. Dane went to a home near Dewey to find this situation. Multiple water stations had been set up to help local wildlife – and the local wildlife showed up.
The snake was carefully relocated to a suitable situation within its estimated home range.
An apartment complex in north Phoenix was home to this large Western Diamondback Rattlesnake . The hole in the wall just behind the snake is a clutter-filled utility area, where this snake has likely been using for years as a summer retreat. The property manager said the snake was first seen leaving a fountain near the front office, several feet from the location of capture.
Water and shelter, all in one spot? Of course there’s a snake 🙂 Much can be done in such situations to prevent visits from the locals.
Greyson moved the snake to a nearby preserve, to suitable conditions for the hot, dry conditions.
Recently completed rattlesnake fencing, covering the entire perimeter of the backyard. This will be the first summer this home has had without a rattlesnake visitor.
A Sonoran Gophersnake on a call a little earlier in the year, hiding out in the backyard. These are harmless snakes of course, but the idea of sharing an area with snakes of any kind can take a little while to get used to. These are learning opportunities, where the snake is relocated, and the homeowner gets a lot of information and time to for it to settle.
This one, interestingly, has a very diamondback-ish pattern on the first third of its body! If this were coiled up it is easy to see how someone would think it’s a rattlesnake.
This little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was coiled up by a pot on the back patio. It had succeeded in hunting, and had a full belly with a rodent, lizard, or small bird tucked away in there. It was very carefully scooped up and relocated to a better spot to digest its hard-won prize. Good luck!
Inside the fence: kids, pets, bare toes, fun times without stress
Outside the fence: rattlesnakes living their best life safe from humans
This is what sustainable living in the desert looks like. It’s easier than you think, and we can make it happen for you.
A homeowner stepped out into the garage and, and felt something squishy under her foot. She’d accidentally stepped on this Sonoran Gophersnake … and they both went their separate ways after that rather quickly. Marissa found it behind some boxes, without any noticeable injury.
There’s a reason why we added Ball Pythons to our website’s snake identification guide: we are called to get them more often than many of our native species. This one was found on the second floor of a storage facility.
We do what we can to find these lost snakes new homes. If it’s possible to find the owner, we do. However, with the very real danger of the introduction of dangerous parasites and disease to our educational display snakes, we do not have a safe quarantine method to house and care for the variety of released and escaped pet snakes like this. So as much as we’d always like a happy reunion with its owner, this just isn’t realistic. Thankfully, there are many people in the world of pet snakes who always step up when needed to help these animals land in safe surroundings.
“Nothing to see here but us pipes.”
– Mr. Sneaky, Sonoran Gophersnake, Mesa, AZ
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found hopelessly stuck in a rodent snap trap (much better than poison! but that’s another topic). These can be dangerous situations. It was freed, carefully, but was limp and lifeless, seemingly dead. However, previous experience indicated that the snake may just have been unconscious, with pressure from the trap on its lung and heart. It was taken to our building to monitor, and a couple of hours later it was up and about without any major injuries. The next day, it was taken back and released within its natural home range.
A backyard that won’t need to worry about rattlesnakes this year. With rattlesnake fencing installed both above and under ground and a full perimeter stealed up, the pool is ready for stress-free use.
The pet sitter found this Arizona Black Rattlesnake hiding out in a small dog run on a 9 acre property near Humboldt. There were rodent bait boxes in the area, and a decomposing mouse very close to the snake. This, and the easy shade/hiding opportunity, are factors that led to this snake being at the home. Dane took great care to relocate this snake to a suitable spot within its estimated home range.
This young Sonoran Gophersnake was called in as a rattlesnake, which is a pretty common thing to happen in Tucson. Nick helped it to a different spot, being very careful to release it to the right place, and the homeowner learned all about these harmless snakes.
More about why we sometimes relocate harmless snakes: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/snakeblog/rattlesnake-solutions/why-relocate-harmless-snakes/
From Jeff “This western diamondback was seen by the homeowner while out in the yard picking up after their dog. The snake was curled up next to a bike tire. There were small gaps by the gate and the back of the yard also had a few openings but I believe it came in through the gap between the house and the wall. The yard was full of snake loving landscape, low bushes with debris under them. Quick easy capture and hiked into the desert for a release into a pack rat nest. Tried to give him water but he wasn’t interested.”
Sometimes the most important part of a rattlesnake fence is the part you can’t see. We have a method of working with the trenched-in part of the fencing that prevents rodents from digging under it, even in soft soil like this. More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
From Apryl on a recent call: “Small coachwhip found behind storage shed in swimming pool fence area. Wife wanted it removed either way as she was getting ready to host a pool party. It was their first snake in 5 years at their new build home. Lots of trash and debris in side yard for critters to live in. They were also already aware that they had some rodent activity. Encouraged possible coexistence for next time after sending a pic to us for identification, if they liked it in the future. This was a fun call and a zesty little friend to meet. Southwest Phoenix near Estrella Mountain “
Before and after. Three Desert Nightsnakes got through a gap in the corner of the garage and got trapped in a sticky trap. Jeff was able to get them off, very carefully, but the banded gecko didn’t make it. All of the snakes had some scale damage and separation of skin from underlying muscle from their struggle. They were transferred to our office to recover. One, unfortunately, died that night. The other two are still recovering, but look to be making a full recovery soon.
Some in-bucket shots of snakes from recent relocations.
Western diamondback hiding beside an iguana statue in the doorway of a home in East Tucson. The snake was relocated, the iguana was not.
An Arizona Black Rattlesnake was spotted by a homeowner in Yavapai Hills. It was first seen at the back entrance of the house, but crawled into these dense bushes. Dane was able to find it, and move it to another spot within its home range.
A Sonoran Gophersnake made a visit while Daylan and Mark were busy installing a rattlesnake fence. These common snakes can have a hard time getting into rattlesnake-fenced yards, and can still get in on occasion … though as harmless snakes, this isn’t the intended target of the fencing. The snake was admired a bit before being moved a short distance to be out of harm’s way while the installation continued.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was hiding out under this trash can, having accessed the yard through a gap at the bottom of the gate. When Apryl released the snake to suitable cover, it was ready to go and just went for it.
A temporary placement of cardboard boxes became a refuge for a pretty Blacktailed Rattlesnake. Dane was called out and the snake was released up the mountainside to suitable cover.
A young Arizona Black Rattlesnake was found behind a trashcan mid-afternoon at a mountainside home in the Prescott National Forest. This is only the second rattlesnake seen by the homeowners in 20 years, though certainly many more have visited in that time. Dane carefully collected it to release elsewhere within its home range.
From Austin: “Homeowner called about an unknown snake in her garage. Upon arrival I was able to locate this gopher snake very quickly thanks to her having minimal clutter in her garage. The home did not have much useful habitat in either the front or back yard so the snake was likely waiting out the heat of the day in the garage. Snake was taken to a nearby golf course and released into deep cover in a wash that runs through the edge of the course.”
This large courtyard is now inaccessible by rattlesnakes of all sizes.
From Austin’s notes on a recent relocation: “Homeowner called about a Western Diamondback in her backyard just outside of her back door. Yard did not have much useful habitat but both side gates had large gaps underneath, so the snake likely entered through there and was just unable to find a way back out. Took this senior citizen to a nice wash with tall walls and lots of hiding places with rodent activity away from homes, but still close enough that it was within the snake’s home range.”
Elias working on a side gate, which will no longer be an access point to the property for rattlesnakes.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
Notes from Maggie on a recent relocation call: “Customer called and stated he saw a small snake behind a large package by front door. Unsure of identification. Upon arrival, I found a small gophersnake on the move by the front walkway. I was above to remove it quickly. I then checked both yards and garage to ease the customers mind. The snake potentially came from neighboring desert via nearby wash. Customer has some standing water and a pool, but otherwise clean yard. I released the snake into a heavily vegetated wash with many rodent holes in the desert backing up to the community. “
More about why we sometimes relocate harmless snakes: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/snakeblog/rattlesnake-solutions/why-relocate-harmless-snakes/
An Arizona Black Rattlesnake was seen cruising across the driveway at a home in central Arizona. Dane came out to help the snake along to the drainage system where it spends its summers.
A large Western Diamondback Rattlesnake taking adantage of a shady area in a Vail backyard. The adjacent landscape … all of it … had just been bulldozed for the latest block of homes in the area, so this old snake was out of options. Thankfully Nick was called and he took great care to get it to the best situation possible, where it will hopefully continue to thrive.
Jeff was called to a home in Cave Creek for a rattlesnake, which ended up being this feisty Sonoran Gophersnake. It got a ride to a safer area for all involved.
This courtyard got some upgrades! Modifications to the gate and several gaps and drains mean that no rattlesnake is able to get in, of any age, species, or size.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
A homeowner saw a speckled rattlesnake in his garage last night. He is selling the house and it’s currently empty. There was some rolled-up carpet in the garage, and the snake was behind it. There have been people in and out so it may have snuck in while the garage was open.
The home is on a steep, rocky hillside. The homeowner let Marissa go right up the side from the property to release into suitable cover. This snake may be pregnant, so requires some extra consideration.
A side gate with newly installed Rattlesnake Fencing. This is part of a system designed to keep rattlesnakes out of certain areas … those places you put bare feet and pets, that kind of thing.
The homeowners were taking out the trash when they noticed this little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake coiled up near where they had just walked. Unfortunately, it was in an area where the last remaining native habitat was just bulldozed for new apartments, so this little one had to go further than we’d typically take it to hopefully settle in.
When we got a call for a reported “copperhead”, we knew something was up. That’s what the neighbor told the homeowner, who saw this orange Speckled Rattlesnake hanging out next to a trash can. It was likely there waiting for rodents, who’d be drawn in by some trash that ended up on the wrong side of the can.
This was near a rocky mountainous area in Peoria, which is where the snake was returned to.
Homeowners in Phoenix noticed that their dog was acting oddly and throwing up. They rushed her to the vet, and it was determined she’d been bitten by a rattlesnake. The dog received treatment and did well.
Before she went home, the homeowners wanted to have the yard checked out to see if it was still there. There was a lot of vegetation and great places to hide, as well as some packrat nests. After a long search, the snake just showed up, crawling out of the grill area with a large rodent in its belly. The snake (and rodent) got a ride to a natural area.
Wow, this is a pretty one! Some workers spotted it in a courtyard of a south Phoenix home, and alerted the homeowners. The home is situated against a large preserve, which is where the snake was brought back to. As always, it went to direct cover within its estimated home range.
The homeowner went into the backyard to search for golf balls, being next to a golf course, and spotted this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake stuck in the pool catchment. It was still floating, thankfully, but wasn’t able to climb out on its own. Marissa went up to Scottsdale for this one, returning it to dry land.
A worker at a home said they saw a large rattlesnake behind a pot in the side yard. It ended up being this Sonoran Gophersnake, who’d found a whole lot of something to eat recently.
Rattlesnake fencing is hard to see, and easy to forget about. It’s one of those things that you don’t really know is working, then just realize one day that it’s been years since you saw a rattlesnake in the yard.
A Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake basking this morning in our large outdoor enclosure. It’s already been helpful in learning about how certain weather conditions may affect rattlesnake activity … and it’s just a fun thing to have outside the office 🙂
A call from Phoenix for a Speckled Rattlesnake at a home surrounded by perfect habitat for the species. This snake looks like it was having a tough time, which could be both an indication of the brutally dry conditions this year, and the reason it was in the well-watered backyard to begin with. Austin took it to a better situation, where it will hopefully recover.
The home where this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found has a great, well-watered natural area full of drinking opportunities, bird feeders, and other wildlife-friendly things. Of course, a rattlesnake looking for food and water isn’t going to ignore something so courteously presented, so here we go. Gary helped this one, who was likely hunting birds at the base of a bird feeder, out of the immediate area.
We got a call for a big snake cruising around a backyard in Scottsdale. The homeowner and her daughter had eyes on it for a bit, but eventually lost track—pretty common when there’s good cover. Marissa showed them a few ID photos and they pointed to a Sonoran Gophersnake, so that gave me a starting point. The yard was pretty lush, lots of places to hide, so she worked the ground first and then started checking higher up.
While poking around under the grill, the homeowner suddenly shouted, “There it is!” And sure enough, the weirdo was halfway into the grill like it was no big deal. Looks like it’s stuck in the photo, but it wasn’t—just exploring. We all had a good laugh. It’s a big, healthy Sonoran Gophersnake, about four feet long.
Rattlesnake fencing installed correctly, with a few little tricks that help keep rodents from digging under, ensuring the full perimeter is protected as it needs to be.
A dog sitter was out back with the pup when she spotted the black and white banded tail of a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake disappearing under the patio furniture. She wrangled the dog and called us out. Marissa found the snake cruising around the pool deck, and couldn’t care less about the whole ordeal. The home backed up to a natural wash area, which is likely home to many of these animals.
This backyard was very well kept and had few places to hide. But, the location itself, situated alongside natural habitat and between properties that may have more ideal hunting or hiding situations, mean a traveling rattlesnake is out in the open and easy enough to notice. Even then, it’s likely more travel this path than will ever be known to the homeowners. Chris picked this one up and relocated to suitable conditions, on his first solo rattlesnake relocation call after training.
A rattlesnake fencing client called to say she had a Gila Monster in the yard. These animals are exceptional climbers, and rattlesnake fencing won’t stop them from going wherever they want. Marissa was nearby and went to check it out … but, on the way, she spotted this gila crossing the road. She helped it to the side and snapped a photo. The gila in the backyard was long gone by the time she got there, but considering the timing and location, this one very well may be the one.
And BTW, if anyone ever claims that snake fencing will keep out ALL species of snakes and reptiles: you’re being lied to 😉 We call it “rattlesnake fence” for a reason.
A previous Rattlesnake Solutions customer called about this gorgeous Speckled Rattlesnake in the front yard. The snake was curled up resting next to the side yard gate. The home, which is nestled into the northern foothills of South Mountain, has tons of great habitat all around, and is likely just one of many spots this snake knows it can get prey or a drink.
Austin captured the snake and found the perfect situation to release it to, one which is within its estimated home range, and emulates conditions at the location of capture.
A homeowner saw a neighbor taking a picture of something in the bushes in her front yard … then noticed the subject. A Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake was resting underneath. It’s the only bush in the yard, but the backyard had a lot more heavy vegetation, leading up to a drainage of the mountain. It’s likely this very cryptic snake has been using the area for quite some time before being noticed.
A call came in for a rattlesnake in the driveway. By the time that Austin got there, the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake had moved to the street, where it was resting. The yard was well-kept and had minimal places to hide, which may be why this small snake had moved on rather than stayed. Austin hiked it into the desert and found a rodent burrow under dense brush to release it.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in the lobby of a church, where a door had been propped open to get a little air earlier in the season. Rattlesnakes inside buildings is very rare, with doors left open as the most common reason.
Rattlesnake fencing done right, by licensed, insured professionals. This is guaranteed by two warranties, for workmanship and materials, and free rattlesnake removal in the event of failure for a period of 2 years.
CJ’s first Sonoran Gophersnake of the season. The homeowner wasn’t sure if it was a rattlesnake or not, but was relieved to learn that this was a harmless and beneficial species.
A little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake made an appearance at a home in Cave Creek. With only a couple of segments on the tail, this is a big baby from last year, likely born earlier in the birthing season and succeeding with prey right away. It was moved to a packrat nest, shaded by a mesquite tree at the edge of a drainage.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found in a typical spot alongside the front entryway of a home in Oro Valley. These shaded areas often emulate the natural situations where snakes would normally hide away from the heat for the day.
A mellow Sonoran Gophersnake seen slowly cruising around a neighborhood. It was at a different house than the one that originally called it in, both on the edge of a golf course where these snakes are very common.
A couple of lovebirds spotted under a bush on a nice Spring day. CJ was very careful to capture them at the same time, and released them to a perfect spot where they would hopefully continue the task of making more little diamondbacks.
After Nick captured a diamondback on this patio, a neighbor said that they’d also seen a rattlesnake at their place a few minutes prior. So Nick searched for another, and found it by temporarily removing the metal door step. Both were relocated together to suitable habitat.
A wet, happy Western Diamondback Rattlesnake that had emerged from the garage to take advantage of a rare drinking opportunity. Even in cooler temperatures, rain events can bring rattlesnakes out to get the only drink they may have for, sometimes, months.
A head-on view of rattlesnake fencing installed recently from about 10′ away. You can see it, barely. The second photo is at an angle where it’s a bit more visible. The shine fades with time, becoming more of a translucent haze over that section of fence in the future.
What this home won’t be seeing, however: a rattlesnake on the patio in 2025.
A typical side gate like you would find at any home around Phoenix or Tucson, but with modifications to keep rattlesnakes of all sizes out. Designed and installed by people who spend their free time researching and observing wild rattlesnakes, because that’s what we do.
From CJ: “First call of 2025 for me. Classic back patio western diamondback in North Scottsdale. Snake entered through a hole from a shoddy fence install on the side gate. A tale as old as time. Released in packrat den nestled against a Lycium that was far enough away but within the same drainage system as the snake was found.”
A little Sonoran Gophersnake that was hiding out in a bathroom. The homeowner had the door open while bringing in the groceries, and that was likely all it took for this little one to find its way in. – Mesa, Arizona
This backyard is a little easier to enjoy knowing that rattlesnake fencing has been installed and checked by our team of serious snake nerds. WIth rattlesnakes very active right now, so are we! But this house is done with rattlesnake encounters.
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.
