Tag: Phoenix

Perfect Summer Refuge for a Speck

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

This Phoenix homeowner found a Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake that turned out to be a gravid (pregnant) female, and the property offered everything a snake could want during the hottest part of the year. Abundant rocky cover, mature shade trees, and reliable water sources made the yard much cooler and more inviting than the surrounding desert. After Austin safely captured the snake, he hiked her back into the adjacent preserve and found a deep cave along the side of a shaded drainage. The location provides excellent shelter for summer aestivation, allowing her to remain cool and protected as she prepares to give birth later in the season. She was released into suitable habitat within her native range.

Southwestern Speckled in the Backyard

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

This Phoenix homeowner was having landscaping done when one of the workers nearly stepped on a Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake in the backyard. The snake gave a warning rattle before slipping beneath a nearby bush, where it remained until we arrived. The property sits just across the street from a preserve that borders the neighborhood on two sides, making occasional visits from native wildlife expected. While the yard had scattered vegetation, it seems very likely the snake’s presence was simply due to the home’s close proximity to excellent natural habitat. The rattlesnake was safely relocated to suitable habitat within its native range.

Thirsty Rattlesnake Under an AC Unit

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

A painter working at an apartment complex nearly stepped on a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake that was coiled beside an air conditioning unit. Startled, the snake retreated into a rodent burrow beneath the concrete pad, where it was safely out of reach. When Marissa arrived, she carefully encouraged the snake to emerge by introducing water into the burrow. After about 20 minutes, the rattlesnake finally came out far enough to be safely captured, pausing several times along the way to take long drinks of water. With the complex built directly against a nature preserve, it’s no surprise that native wildlife occasionally finds its way into developed areas. The snake was relocated to suitable habitat within its native range.

Gophersnake Under the Grill

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

This beautiful Sonoran Gophersnake decided to take a siesta under an outdoor grill and was fast asleep until Jon gently interrupted. With several pockets of desert scattered throughout the neighborhood, there are plenty of places for snakes to move through and settle in. Jon safely relocated it to a good spot and released it into a gopher burrow within its estimated home range, though it was a little too quick to dive in for a release photo.

Rattlesnake on the Patio in Phoenix

Posted on by Bryan Hughes


The homeowner was on her back patio picking up a cover for her patio furniture when she noticed a snake underneath. She quickly dropped the cover and went inside, unsure what kind of snake it was. When we arrived, the snake was still right next to the cover and turned out to be a baby Western Diamondback rattlesnake. The yard itself was very clean with few places for a snake to hide, but there is a large area of desert habitat directly across the street, which likely explains how it ended up passing through the property. North Phoenix.

We Found a BIG Rattlesnake Under a Bike

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

Marissa gets called to a shady courtyard in Phoenix where a big Western Diamondback is hiding under a bike. With a preserve and golf course nearby, it’s not hard to see how this snake got so large. Lots of food, good habitat, and plenty of cover.

Bryan responds to a rattlesnake on a front porch, sitting in the shade trying to stay cool. This is common in the summer. Snakes look for shade anywhere they can find it, and sometimes that means right up against a house.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Removal in North Phoenix

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

A north Phoenix homeowner called in a bit of a panic. They had just stepped out to go into their garage when a loud rattling was heard just underfoot. With a quick peek at the tail before slamming the door shut, they correctly identified the sound as a rattlesnake. They kept the garage door shut until Maggie arrived to ensure it stayed put. Upon her arrival, it took a few minutes to locate the snake as it had moved across the garage and coiled up under some cords. She was able to release the snake into a packrat nest in suitable desert habitat.

Rattlesnake Removal in North Phoenix

Posted on by Bryan Hughes

North Phoenix homeowners called with yet another rattlesnake on the property.  They have some perfect snake habitat, in the form of a huge vegetated wash next door, and that has been drawing snakes to their property, in this case, the garage, for the last few years. This little diamondback was adamant on staying in said garage. With a little blocking and patience, Maggie was able to secure this one in the bucket and relocate it to heavy cover in the appropriate desert habitat.