A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hiding out under some landscaping in a Scottsdale backyard. It’s not clear exactly where, but the snake had likely spent the winter very nearby. It was relocated to carefully selected microhabitat in a nearby preserve.
A new season means some new members of the RS crew! This is the first rattlesnake removal for Apryl.
A worker at a construction complex found this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hibernating inside an electrical closet. The door was outside the building and not sealed at the bottom. This is surprisingly common on apartment patio closets in Arizona.
A baby Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was spotted cruising around on the patio of a Carefree home back in September. In the late summer, these little babies are wandering everywhere, seemingly at random, trying to figure out how to be a snake. This one got a second chance at life when it was safely moved away from the shoes and back to the desert.
As the monsoon season progresses, our team gets busier than ever. The baby rattlesnakes start being born with the incoming humidity, and snakes of all age classes and species are on the move. This begins the most critical period in their lives — the late-season push to eat as much as possible and make the best of the last hot part of the year. If the babies don’t succeed in hunting now, they may not survive the winter.
For our snake prevention team, this also means that our standards are put to the test. Tiny baby rattlesnakes are on the move, and any gaps in a backyard are an entryway. With no room for error, our team must be on point at all times. Thankfully, the training and attention to detail get the job done.
Here are stories and photographs from our monsoon snake removal and prevention projects. This is just a small portion, but enough to get the picture.
A late night call to Ahwatukee to capture a little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in the backyard. As Bryce walked the snake out to its release location, he spotted three others hanging out in the branches trying to stay cool. This is a great indication that the release spot is ideal habitat.
This pair of Desert Spiny Lizards lives at Dave’s place in Marana, where they wait for him like this to get some mealworms 🙂 These are common lizards to see at homes in Arizona, where they make good use of the stucco and block walls.
This is a common situation in Arizona. AC units offer shade and an often undisturbed space to hide out. This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was hiding out in a Vail backyard. Dave relocated the snake to a carefully selected situation.
This little Mojave Rattlesnake was hiding out in some unused pots on the back patio of a Marana home. Any cover will work, especially on covered patios and entryways. The snake was relocated to suitable habitat for the species with consideration for the conditions.
We worked with the homeowners association of this property to modify our rattlesnake fencing to match the community’s aesthetics, without sacrificing any of the functional elements that are critical to its function. We’re thankful for communities that understand and respect homeowners need to maintain a safe environment. Brent and Elias did great on this one!
Two different Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes found in exactly the same spot two weeks apart. It’s safe to say that in situations like this, the actual issue is something in the immediate area that rattlesnakes are finding useful. Both of these were relocated safely to elsewhere in their home range.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake taking cover under a patio overhang.
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hanging out on a Tucson back patio.
In the flat grasslands around Prescott Valley, the Mojave Rattlesnake is the most common visitor to homes. This one was using the shade of a building in the area when spotted by the property owner. Dane went out to help it along to a better area.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found deep in a warehouse in the east valley. It was apparently wanting to help with some cleaning up, but the property manager thought that was best left to the employees. CJ found it a much better spot under a big velvet mesquite tree near a wash.
Rattlesnake Fencing requires very specific measurements and features in order to work. Based on much testing and study of the behavior of all rattlesnake species in the state, it’s something best left to specialists.
The owners of a horse ranch in Scottsdale watched this curious Western Diamondback Rattlesnake crawl through a broken window and into a vacant barn used for storage. It had likely been staying here for quite awhile. Bryce was called out to move it to elsewhere within its estimated home range.
A familiar situation: a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake taking advantage of the pool equipment – this time to prepare to give birth to babies. These areas of properties tend to be tucked away and can provide access to rodents and a lot of shaded areas, and are one of the most common locations where we find rattlesnakes. Bryce was very gentle with this one to make sure its babies were not damaged, and found a great replacement rookery.
Bryce found FOUR gravid (pregnant) Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes at one home in Fountain Hills. They were using different areas of the property to thermoregulate as they prepared to give birth any day at that point. He found a perfect aestivation cave within their estimated home range where they’d be safe and could have their babies without danger.
The first baby snake of the year for Bryce, back on the last day of July. It’s a hatchling Coachwhip, which will likely grow to be big, fast, and bright pink! He moved it to a great spot to start out its life, away from the backyard where it was captured.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was very pregnant at the time of its capture in the north valley on the last day in July. Extreme care must be taken in finding the perfect location for snakes in this condition, as well as gentle handling, to make sure her and her babies are not damaged.
A back courtyard gate with some new functionality – keeping rattlesnakes out.
RJ searched the area during a break on a rattlesnake fence installation, and found the reason the homeowners were wise to be getting it done. This small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was likely an occasional visitor to the backyard, but will have to get a drink in someone else’ pool from now on.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was spotted under a wood patio extension in Anthem. James was called up to capture and relocate it to a better situation.
A little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found on the patio of a home near the base of South Mountain in Phoenix. CJ carefully relocated it to a better situation.
This Sonoran Gophersnake was called in as a rattlesnake, and disappeared into lantana before Bryce arrived. He was able to find it, and the homeowners learned about these harmless snakes. Keeping a big snake in the yard is something to get used to for many people, so the snake was moved a short distance to carefully selected microhabitat within its home range.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was just barely visible in a lanatana. The pattern of a rattlesnake can do a great job of breaking up its shape, making it very difficult to pick out of chaotic patterns, especially in dappled light. Bryce captured it and relocated it directly to carefully selected cover.
Another backyard that won’t be worrying about rattlesnakes next year. This one involved a lot of deep trenching, and more technique below the surface to prevent rodents from digging under it.
While Bryce was on route to a rattlesnake removal in Scottsdale, a bobcat showed up and killed a cottontail. It didn’t run off, instead watching the relocation from ~15 yards away. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was safely captured and relocated directly to cover within its estimated home range.
While searching a property for rattlesnakes, Marissa found this red-eared slider in an underground control space. These invasive turtles are common in city ponds and waterways.
Basements are rare in Arizona, but when there is one, these deep window wells often become traps for a variety of wildlife. This one caught three Sonoran Desert Toads, which were fortunately seen in time to be rescued and relocated to the proper area.
The standard “rattlesnake by the front door” situation that we run into daily in the Phoenix area. The covered entryways can provide cool cover that wildlife can find useful. This one was in north Phoenix, and relocated carefully to very specific surroundings.
That’s it for this one! More Arizona snake removal stories in the next post.
The monsoon continues, bringing peak activity for all native reptiles and amphibians of Arizona. Here are just a few of those from recent times.
Phoenix-metro: 480-237-9975
Tucson-metro: 520-308-6211
A landscaper spotted this large Sonoran Desert Toad, which led to a call to our hotline. Marissa moved it to a better spot. These toads are great for pest control! Eating everything that moves, including snakes, spiders, and even small rodents on occasion. However, for dog owners, this could be a very dangerous situation, so identifying resources that could bring these toads into a property can be important.
A homeowner had seen a few rattlesnakes in the backyard over several days time. They initially called the fire department, which tossed them over the back fence, and they came back immediately afterward. They then called us, and Marissa was able to find both snakes and identify the issue so that the homeowners could resolve the source of the problem.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found on a Scottsdale patio in what could have been a bad situation if the homeowners weren’t paying attention. Fortunately, it all worked out and the snake was relocated safely to a better spot.
An ideal situation for a rattlesnake to take up residence in a backyard. This situation is right next to a preserve, and a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake had been living there for quite some time. The snake was relocated, and homeowner aware of the situation.
A really clean-patterened Mojave Rattlesnake on a patio in Queen Creek. The homeowner had let the cat out and heard a rattle, prompting a quick call. The snake was safely relocated to carefully selected conditions.
A large Sonoran Gophersnake found in an assisted living facility. They were able to get it outside, where it was found in the backyard under a citrus tree.
Every property is different, some presenting unique challenges to adding suitable rattlesnake protection. Here’s a recent one completed against free-standing stakes. This pool will be an easier place to relax next year.
This Sonoran Gophersnake was found climbing up this rock and concrete chimney. This is a good example of climbable situations that can get a snake into a backyard, rather than the slug-crawl straight up the wall that people often expect.
A very common situation to find a rattlesnake in throughout Arizona. These shaded entryways that cover the front doors of many homes often emulate the situations that rattlesnakes look for in the wild to wait out hot days. This one was captured and relocated safely in north Phoenix.
This snake was hanging out under the condensation drip in the backyard. The homeowner wanted to kill it, but he was convinced by his daughter, thank goodness. After talking to him, it seemed like he had a better respect for snakes. He just had no idea they could be found where he lived because it is a very well-developed area.
From Marissa: “I remember catching a large king snake a few years ago in the same area. So, I went back and found that I caught the same king snake not far from where I caught it 3 years ago. I’m happy it’s still alive, and it’s amazing it can survive in such a developed area. This is the snake the first time I caught it.” – Gilbert, AZ
Some house painters spotted this speck under an overhang of the house. While they were watching it, a second rattlesnake was about twenty feet away but on the move, but kept going and left before Marissa arrived. This home is on a rocky hillside, where this species of snake is the most common rattlesnake. However, due to its extreme camouflage, most go undetected.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was seen coming and going from this refrigerator space in a backyard grill island. The property doesn’t have rattlesnake fencing and borders the desert, so situations like this are common. Savannah went out and was able to safely move the fridge and get the snake to a better situation. The homeowner was also informed on what can be done to prevent future encounters.
Some bucket shots of recent captures of some of the most commonly encountered snake species in the Phoenix area. All of these were relocated safely to carefully selected conditions.
Rattlesnake fencing was just installed at this property. It can be seen from an angle … kinda. In fact, the most common criticism we get online is from people who can’t see the mesh between the larger bars 😉 Thanks for helping prove the point!
A snake removal call to Queen Creek ended up being three rattlesnakes! After the first one was found, Jeff inspected the garage and found two more hiding away.
Jeff went to a business in Queen Creek to get this one. You can see its tracks look different than many may expect: a series of diagonal lines rather than the typical serpentine track. The circle is where the snake eventually settled into a coil for the night.
James was called out to this sleeping Sonoran Gophersnake on a late night call to north Phoenix.
From CJ: “Fairly sizable Western Diamondback hanging out on a patio late at night. The area had plenty of habitat but nothing where it wouldn’t likely run into another situation like this. So I took it to a preserve a little bit further than I would normally but found it a good desert ironwood with deep caves underneath the base where it can get a new start. Cave Creek. “
Dane picked up this Blacktailed Rattlesnake from a home at the border of Prescott and Prescott Valley. These snakes are often misidentified in the area as “Mojave Green” due to the color.
A barely-visible Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hiding out behind a planter in Scottsdale. Grant went out to relocate this snake to a carefully selected location.
Gophersnakes can get pretty big! Here’s Jeff holding up a shed skin he found at a home on a snake fence estimate – holding above his head and standing on the tail (he’s 5’11”). Shed skins stretch and aren’t an accurate representation of the true size of the snake, but it’s safe to say this is a very big animal.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake got through doors that were left ajar at a school and ended up trapped in the entryway. Fortunately it was spotted, and Bryce went out to help it get to a safer situation for all involved.
Bryce was called out to capture a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake behind a storage box at an Anthem home. When he was there, he also spotted a Sonoran Gophersnake with a stubby tail. Both of them were moved to a safer location.
That’s it for this one! We remain very busy through the fall into November, and this is just a fraction of what actually happens during our busiest season. For more information, visit https://rattlesnakesolutions.com or a more real-time view on our Facebook page: https://facebook.com/snakeremoval
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake kept playing hide and seek with the homeowners in a rodent hole at the base of this bush before it could be captured. This is in a new development in the northwest valley and conflict with wildlife will be high over the next several years, as both the animals and people who’ve moved there adjust.
Nick said this was one of the most defensive rattlesnakes he’s ever worked with, repeatedly striking the inside of the bucket any time it was touched.
These two Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes were found together under an AC unit on a recent property inspection.
This little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was hiding out behind a decorative pot for the day out in Gold Canyon. Marissa went out to find it a new place.
A recent Rattlesnake Fence installation in Oracle, AZ from Nate that worked out amazingly all around. It’s hard to see (which is the point), and is made to look either invisible or as if it were always part of the structure.
More information on Rattlesnake Fencing:
https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/snake-fence.php?p=social
A mother in north Phoenix thought to check the yard before the kids went out to play, and it’s good she did. This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found hiding out near the AC unit. It was relocated to a better area.
A Mojave Rattlesnake found near a warehouse in Mesa. As you can see, they’re not always (or even often) green.
If this pot looks familiar, you’re not wrong. In a recent post you saw a young rattlesnake removed from behind it – another showed up a few days later to the same exact spot that was exactly the same size. It wasn’t the same snake, however, confirmed by comparing the tail bands. Apparently this pot is the spot.
Visible from an angle, this black steel will keep rattlesnakes from accessing the property. Installed by licensed and insured professionals (AZROC 321123)
This little Sonoran Gophersnake was called in as a rattlesnake, after making its way inside a home via a door left ajar. The homeowner threw a towel over it and that’s where it was when Marissa arrived shortly after. Lessons learned: towels are good makeshift snake restraints, and doors open in Arizona invite all guests.
While sweeping the garage, a homeowner noticed a visitor in the corner. This is a very common occurrence in Arizona spring, where snakes that have been using the garage all winter come and go from the free cave situation.
A patio cleanup ended up being a rattlesnake removal call. This baby Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was making use of the shaded corner to rest until temperatures were favorable.
Another large property with new rattlesnake protection installed by our crew.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found in the parking lot of a business. When people started throwing rocks at it, the snake crawled into the undercarriage of a nearby car to escape. Marissa saw it here when the hood was popped. Thankfully, the snake was not injured and relocated to a more suitable situation.
This member of Snakes Against Literacy was hanging out on a bridge leading to a public library, preventing visitors from coming in. Marissa helped it back to the surrounding habitat.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake didn’t even uncoil as Nikolaus gently moved it from its resting place at the base of this tree into the bucket.
A common question: “Why don’t the snakes ever strike the tongs?”.
Answer: because we are using them as intended … very gently, with just enough force to control without hurting the snake. When you see photos out there online of tongs being misused with excess force is when the snakes bite at the device that is causing them injury.
Another backyard in Tucson that won’t be visited by rattlesnakes, installed by our team of licensed, insured rattlesnake experts. Nate and Michael killing it down there.
A large Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hanging out near the front door of a Tucson home the other day. Dave relocated it to a packrat nest, which is a perfect relocation situation. These nests are often used for cover at any time of year, and will allow the snake to carefully re-enter its home range on its own timeline.
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake living in rock crevices at a property near Tucson. Spring is mating time for many rattlesnakes, and the odds of finding a second snake in association with the one called in is much higher this time of year.
This Sonoran Gophersnake was called in as a rattlesnake, which is a common misidentification and easy to make. The concern was, once it was captured, to make sure it could be safe from the dogs, so it was moved a short distance.
More about why we sometimes relocate harmless snakes: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/snakeblog/rattlesnake-solutions/why-relocate-harmless-snakes/
An adult female Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found surprisingly deep into a neighborhood near Tucson. She was relocated to a carefully-selected spot.
This small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found in a courtyard in Anthem, Arizona the other night. It was relocated to a packrat nest, to re-orient itself with its homerange on its own terms at a later time.
An expertly-installed rattlesnake fencing project with a standard double-gate. This is the difficult part that is often overlooked.
An easter-egg hunt found something else instead. This Sonoran Gophersnake was also looking for eggs (real ones) but ended up getting a free ride off-premises.
Marissa carefully working with a large Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, using two tools to help distribute its weight to safely capture without risking injury to the snake.
After a likely rattlesnake was spotted in some bricks by a homeowner in Surprise, Marissa got to play our favorite game: Spicy Jenga. She caught the snake in question, and found a little one that went along for the ride as well.
We were busy last year 🙂 Here’s a combination of the snakes we captured and relocated in late 2021 and the handful every week over the winter. Just a few more weeks and we’ll be back and busy!
As always, we’ve been busy. Not only with snake removals, but all sorts of field work. That includes travel all over the country, and even into Mexico, looking for wild snakes of all kinds.
That means I’m a bit backed up on some of our social media communications, so here’s an attempt to get caught up. Here are a good amount of the recent snake removal jobs we’ve done in the past few weeks.
With temperatures starting to look like Fall, we expect an uptick in activity that will last throughout the month. With all of the recent rain and what looks to have been a great monsoon, the baby rattlesnakes born this year will likely survive in great numbers. We expect to continue seeing those pop up in Arizona yards through October, into November.
We’ve been busy! Typically running between 5 and 10 calls each day, or more, and completing as many as 5 snake fence projects a day as well. Here are some of the highlights over the past few weeks.
Phoenix-metro: 480-237-9975
Tucson-metro: 520-308-6211
