This big, beautiful Sonoran Gophersnake was spotted going under a pool heater. The homeowners knew it was harmless, but weren’t comfortable with the snake on the property. Marissa was able to safely extract the snake and put it back with the adjacent golf course, where it’s certainly comfortable.
More about why we sometimes relocate harmless snakes: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/snakeblog/rattlesnake-solutions/why-relocate-harmless-snakes/
A pair of Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnakes aestivating near a hotel, taking advantage of some unintentional free water. They were released to carefully selected microhabitat which offers similar conditions. In the summer, snakes like this would quickly die if released to random desert locations.
Aestivation (pronounced /ˌes.təˈveɪ.ʃən/ or /ˌēs-tə-ˈvā-shən/) A state of dormancy or metabolic inactivity that certain animals enter during hot or dry seasons, especially in the summer, as a survival strategy to conserve energy and reduce water loss when conditions are harsh.
Another day, another small animal nearly dying in a gluetrap. Thankfully, the homeowner saw it in time and Marissa went out to rescue it. It’s a Desert Nightsnake, and was released without serious injuries.
A couple of recent rattlesnake relocations from the Tucson area. Dry conditions have suppressed activity to some degree this year, but scenes like this are still a thing many times a day.
If you’re wondering what a rattlesnake track looks like, here’s a before and after of a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake captured near Tucson. This circular depression is what is left behind when a rattlesnake nestles into a spot to rest or hunt, and is something we can look for to detect activity in an area. This is particularly useful in garages, where rattlesnakes sometimes come and go, but leave tell-tale prints in dust in the corners. If you’ve ever seen one of us pop into your garage for 2 seconds before stating definitively something like “a rattlesnake has been in here”, that’s what we’ve seen.
This snake was relocated to suitable habitat within its estimated home range.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake displayed about as much defensive behavior as we typically see. When Dave arrived, she was halfway into a burrow beneath an AC unit. She did not appreciate the disturbance and responded with persistent rattling and occasional strikes. She was safely contained in a bucket, where she continued rattling and struck the lid several times over the next 20 minutes while I searched the rest of the yard and flooded the burrow to check for others.
She remained highly alert during the short drive to a suitable relocation site near a packrat midden. Even after being released, she stayed mostly within the burrow entrance, rattling steadily and keeping eyes on me the entire time. This elevated defensive state continued throughout the entire encounter. Fortunately, this kind of sustained defensive state is rare. Most removals involve calmer snakes that settle quickly once out of the immediate threat zone.
A recently completed rattlesnake fence installation. From a short distance, it’s more or less invisible. The best indication of this are the people who routinely comment on photos like this to say things like “wont work snake can crawl right through it”. Thanks for making our point!
Jill rescued this little Western Groundsnake from a glue trap in Scottsdale. These snakes, which eat invertebrates, are likely much more effective to the control of the intended target than this trap will ever be.
A homeowner in Cave Creek noticed his cat react to something in the bushes, jumping backward (it was not bitten). It was a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, taking advantage of the shady corner. When Marissa arrived, only the tail was visible as it moved to the neighbor’s yard through a gap in the wall. She was able to push it back through from the other side, then run around to the original location to capture the snake. This is both a good example of how shaded areas are useful to snakes, and that all gaps need to be sealed up if rattlesnake fencing is ever an option.
While in the backyard looking for something, a homeowner noticed this sizable Sonoran Gophersnake resting in the shade. It had a belly full of quail eggs. Learning that it is harmless (unless you’re an egg, of course), the homeowner opted to let it stay. This is the best outcome.
More about why we sometimes relocate harmless snakes: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/snakeblog/rattlesnake-solutions/why-relocate-harmless-snakes/
A gate with modifications made to keep out rattlesnakes of all sizes. With newborn snakes just a bit wider than a ballpoint pen, attention to detail is required. Fortunately, that’s what we do.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
A homeowner spotted this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake cruising through the backyard. The property is wide open, with a wash running through – it’s just something that’s going to happen from time to time in areas of open contact. Jeff was careful with her, as at this time of year she may be pregnant, with developing babies easily damaged with any rough handling. She got a drink of water, and was released directly to deep cover within her estimated home range.
A resting Western Diamondback Rattlesnake delayed work in this front entryway. It was watched until we could arrive and help it to a better shaded spot. During the heat of the summer, staying cool and keeping any moisture possible is driving force behind most encounters.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was trapped under a garage door when found, which can quickly kill a snake. Apryl got there quickly and opened the door right away, and thankfully the snake was without detectable injury. She relocated it to deep cover (shown here) at the base of an old tree.
Rattlesnakes on pool day doesn’t have to be a thing this summer.
Notes from Austin in our internal chat: “I know you’re all going to be pretty jealous of this one. Customer called about this absolutely gorgeous Blacktailed Rattlesnake that was chillin right next to his grill in the backyard. This home backs up to the northern foothills of South Mountain and the yard’s back fence had plenty of space for snakes and rodents to find their way in. Hiked the snake into the nearby hills and found it a nice deep cave in a wash bed that was surrounded by rocky hills on both sides. “
Snake fencing works.
If you live in the desert, snakes are part of the deal — but that doesn’t mean they need to be in your yard. We install clean, effective barriers that actually keep them out, without messing up your view or your landscaping.
Pets and kids on one side, and snakes on the other.
Send us a message if you want a quote or have questions. We’re local, we know snakes, and we’ve seen what works.
A homeowner called in a rattlesnake coiled on the front porch, but it ended up being a Sonoran Gophersnake. Often, the shape of the coil can be an indicator of whether or not a snake is a rattlesnake. While rattlesnakes tend to rest in tight coils with their heads in the center, gophersnakes and other harmless species usually rest in loose, unorganized coils. This one is a bit of an exception, at least being in a somewhat circular shape.
Baby rattlesnakes, in May, are the least-seen age class of snakes. It’s not just that they’re small – the odds of survival through the first year without becoming roadrunner food or Arizona snake jerky are not great. This one was seen on a patio by a homeowner, but moved before Austin arrived to get it. It was found nearby, and looked every bit like it has had a hard time in one of the driest seasons in Arizona history. The little snake got a good drink of water before being released into deep cover. Hopefully it will make it to its first birthday, and find some prey when the monsoon comes again.
Nick was doing a property inspection service of a home, where the homeowners suspected some habitat may be suitable for a rattlesnake in the future. They were right, and didn’t need to wait long. Nick found this young Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hiding out right there. He carefully captured it to relocate to suitable habitat within its estimated home range, and educated the homeowners on all of the things that can be done to help reduce the chances of future encounters.
Can you see the rattlesnake fence we installed at this property?
A landscaper went to sit on this rock to rest for lunch, and it was already occupied. Marissa was able to get the snake out with some water. See it?
This little one was coiled up by the front door of a north Phoenix apartment complex. It got a ride back to a better situation. These kinds of corners that offer shade and cover from predators, as well as a chance to get a drink from time to time, are common spots to find rattlesnakes.
A homeowner saw a Sonoran Gophersnake going up the fence in the backyard, climbing a citrus tree, then disappearing. Marissa got there and the snake was gone. She saw a tree on the other side of the property, however, and asked the neighbor to check their yard. Sure enough, there it was, hiding out up in the tree.
More about why we sometimes relocate harmless snakes: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/snakeblog/rattlesnake-solutions/why-relocate-harmless-snakes/
A common critique we get on social media about photos like this of rattlesnake fence installation (edited to remove weird anger): “Rodents can dig under it!”
But! There’s more going on under the ground here than it seems, stopping rodents from digging under it. Trenching, usually by hand tool on much rougher terrain than this, is a big part of our installers’ lives.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
An adult Sonoran Gophersnake was first spotted under a table, but was found cruising through the lawn when Marissa arrived. This community in Queen Creek is perfect for these snakes, who adapt very well to new situations compared to other native snakes.
A Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake was seen on the back patio of a Phoenix home. Marissa got it just as it was about to head under a bush. It was then measured and tagged before release as part of our ongoing research on urban rattlesnake populations.
A late night Western Diamondback Rattlesnake from a backyard that was bordered on either side by a wash … a perfect spot for a rattlesnake. The homeowner said this was the first rattlesnake they’d seen on the property in the six years of living there, and CJ gently informed them that it’s very likely just the first one they’ve noticed.
These are not ideal situations – a Gila Monster was dug up while a homeowner was moving a stack of cinderblocks. Gila Monsters are very tied to their existing home range (not that rattlesnakes aren’t) and great care must be taken to relocate them. Fortunately, culture has shifted a bit in the last decade or so, making it an easier conversation to have about moving it to the boulders *just over there*.
A gate with modifications to make it impossible for a rattlesnake to get through it.
Sometimes we can use the same bucket for a relocation of two separate species in a pinch … sometimes we can’t. Any guesses why?
A homeowner sent us this fun one. It’s a harmless Sonoran Gophersnake of course, who are excellent climbers and get themselves into all kinds of fun situations.
From Austin “Homeowner called about a “large rattlesnake” in their backyard. Upon arrival it was determined that it was a Gopher Snake. Nevertheless, they still didn’t want it hanging out in their backyard. There was a nice patch of grass and lots of trees and bushes, a desert snake’s dream habitat. I took the snake across the street and hiked it far into the desert away from the neighborhood and placed it into a nice big packrat nest above a small wash. “
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake resting in ambush at the base of a brittlebush in a backyard in north Phoenix. This one was spotted by the homeowner when she went to take the trash out.
This Sonoran Gophersnake was called in as a rattlesnake. It’s easy to see why – the pattern, and sometimes behaviors and sounds of these snakes can be superficially similar to rattlesnakes.
In many cases the homeowners opt to keep the snake there after it’s discovered it’s not dangerous in any way, but more often this first surprise encounter is a learning experience and the snake is relocated responsibly.
More about why we sometimes relocate harmless snakes: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/snakeblog/rattlesnake-solutions/why-relocate-harmless-snakes/
Greyson caught this little Sonoran Sidewinder at a home in Tonopah. It was released to suitable microhabitat where it can survive the ordeal. Too often, specialist snakes like this are “taken to the mountains” by people who mean well, but don’t consider the needs of each species.
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.
One of the goals of this page is to help people recognize common places where rattlesnakes can be found at a home. They may not be obvious at first, but we have heard from many people that this context-building has helped them spot rattlesnakes that they may not have otherwise spotted. Most often, you can’t see the entire snake, but in time, that pattern, or sense of “something’s different here” can make a difference. Here are some recents.
For more, visit our Facebook page: https://facebook.com/snakeremoval
A dog came inside in the morning with a swollen face, and was obviously unwell. The homeowners rushed the dog to the vet, where it was confirmed that it had been bitten by a rattlesnake. They called to see if it’s possible the snake was still on the property. Marissa found it here, just barely visible in a rodent burrow. It was relocated to a carefully selected area.
The dog is doing much better, last we heard 😀
