This clever little gophersnake almost outsmarted everyone. I thoroughly searched the N. Phoenix garage, which was very clean and offered very few hiding spots and was beginning to think the snake had slipped out unnoticed. I had the homeowner close the garage door so we could check the gaps, only to discover that it had been watching us from above the entire time. Thankfully it was completely unharmed and is now living on the ground floor of a large packrat nest. – Jason
Heading home from a snake relocation, Dave came across this Sonoran Gophersnake cruising across the road. Often times, on days where our hotline is busy, it’s not a surprise to see several wild reptiles during the the course of the day just from being out in habitat. This one did not need any assistance getting off the road.
This Sonoran Gophersnake was taking full advantage of the shade and standing water at a North Phoenix home. The presence of a potted plant with an overflow basin underneath was likely enough to draw the snake right to the front door.
Jon quickly and quietly captured the snake and released it to suitable habitat within its estimated home range, where it can continue living its best snake life.
This gorgeous Gophersnake has a new lease on life after being freed from a glue trap in a North Phoenix garage. Jon was able to carefully remove the snake and get it cleaned up, and it was released to a wash within its estimated home range where it can get back to doing what it does best.
You can see why people often confuse Sonoran Gophersnakes with rattlesnakes. This one was on a patio, trying its best to scare away perceived predators. Jon helped it get to a better spot for all involved.
This little Sonoran Gophersnake nearly died. It was thrown in the trash and tossed out in the sun. Marissa tried to advise on how to free it, but it wasn’t going to happen, so she went to rescue it. Thankfully, the snake was not meaningfully injured and was released right away.
This beat up Sonoran Gophersnake was called in as a rattlesnake. Normally, it’s easy enough to tell the tail of a rattlesnake from these harmless species, as gophersnakes have a pointed tail. But this one had an accident some time in its past, leaving it with a rounded stump. Living in the city can be hard for snakes, but this species often does pretty well with it … although sometimes a bit shorter. It was released to a safer spot in its estimated home range in north Phoenix.
A little Sonoran Gophersnake on a patio of a newly built home in Prescott, Arizona.
A Sonoran Gophersnake got stuck in a well … the second one in a month! This one was much larger than the last one and couldn’t get out on its own. Maggie got the snake out and gave some advise on how to prevent another snake from getting in.
The homeowner saw the snake the day prior inside a well. It’s in an enclosed room, but the lid had a hole where the snake must have fallen in while trying to get a drink. It took some time, but Marissa was eventually able to fish it out with her tongs while it swam around. This could have been a much worse situation for everyone involved!
