Arizona Snake Removal Stories, Part 1

Posted on September 8, 2024 by Bryan Hughes

The monsoon continues, bringing peak activity for all native reptiles and amphibians of Arizona. Here are just a few of those from recent times.

24/7 Snake Removal & Prevention:

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

Snake Removals from Phoenix and Tucson Updates

Posted on April 26, 2024April 26, 2024 by Bryan Hughes

A homeowner went out into the garage and was immediately rattled at from near the door. The snake likely got in while the door was open for awhile the day before.

While walking around in the backyard at night, a homeowner and her dog were rattled at. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake had moved under a wheelbarrow to hide, too. That’s where it was found when Marissa arrived to help it find a new place to hang out.

And old gate gets new life with some rattlesnake prevention materials, attached on the inside of the gate so from the street you’d never know that rattlesnakes aren’t even an issue within.

A surprise visitor in a Cave Creek garage. The snake had been coming and going for quite some time through a gap under the seal in the corner.

A pair of colorful Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes near Tucson that were found in a garage. Note that both of them are hiding their heads before relocation. This is an aspect of defense and a sign of the stress of the event. As much as we can try to minimize it, relocation is a very scary experience for the snakes. Thankfully, they learn from these events, and will avoid it in the future.

From Bryce: “This one was a doozy, but a fun one for sure! Got a call around midnight for a rattlesnake sitting in a Buckeye resident’s front yard. By the time I got there, this Mojave Rattlesnake had just started crawling into the neighbor’s yard. Unbeknownst to me at the time, the concrete wall was hollow, and when I went to grab the snake, it slipped its way into the wall. Attempts to secure the snake with tongs and hooks were unsuccessful, so I resorted to watering it out. Admittedly, I wasn’t very hopeful that this call would go in my favor, as this snake had a perfect spot to spend the night in a spot that I couldn’t really get to. But finally, after what seemed like ages, our culprit got sick of being sprayed with water and made a dash for it, giving me an opportunity to bucket her before she could find her way into any more predicaments. “

A sneaky little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake that Dave caught on Tucson’s south side. That generalist pattern works about everywhere, including artificial terrain like this.

A call to the Tucson hotline for “three rattlesnakes” ended up being FIVE by the time Dave was done searching there. All were relocated together to carefully selected cover within their estimated home range.

The homeowner lost track of the snake while Dave was on route, but he found it hiding out in a rodent bait box.

A pest control operator in Scottsdale saw a rattlesnake in a backyard and notified the homeowners. A Property Inspection was scheduled, and Jeff went out to check the yard. He found a pair of mating Western Diamondback Rattlesnake under a bush. Also nearby: the actual problem. A packrat nest was hidden away, and likely where the rattlesnakes had been living.

Some Western Diamondback Rattlesnake diversity from recent relocation calls around Arizona.

It’s not all diamondbacks! Well … here’s one, but with a few friends who also show up at homes from time to time and got a ride back to the desert.

A perfect example of how rattlesnakes rely on camouflage to avoid predators. The owner of this home was putting up Halloween decorations and went up and down the ladder many times before realizing he had a visitor. Bryce was called out and the snake didn’t move until captured.

This Sonoran Desert Toad was seen a few days before and showed up again in this old water feature. After we were called out to capture and relocate it, it was drained to prevent future visits.

A large Mojave Rattlesnake at an industrial area in the east valley. Jeff helped find a new place to hang out. This one is the typical brown coloration of the area.

This little Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was hanging out inside an apartment complex hallway, and was evicted back to the desert by Marissa.

A Mojave Rattlesnake alerted a homeowner to its presence when she was taking the trash out at night in Queen Creek.

A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was revealed when a homeowner moved a trash can away from a pool pump. This is not an uncommon sight in Scottsdale.

We were recently hired to inspect a property of a medical facility where several rattlesnakes had been spotted. Dave went out and was able to locate 3 Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes, and advise on situations that could be changed to avoid future encounters.

Here are those snakes on the way out, and the deep packrat nest where they were relocated to. By carefully selecting relocation sites and releasing them directly to deep cover, we can reduce the likelihood of panicked wandering behavior and help the snake survive the ordeal.

Derek was able to find a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in a backyard, where the dog had found it. Thankfully, there was no bite, and everyone (including the sanke) made it out of the situation unscathed.

A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake from a Cave Creek backyard. Spring is mating time, and it’s very often for us to find other rattlesnakes in association with females found on properties. This is one reason we often get right to checking the rest of the property after securing the snake we’re actually called out for. In this instance, she was alone.

A Mojave Rattlesnake from the east valley was relocated by Jeff recently.

If you’re currently typing out “I thought they were green!”, this is where you learn this is not the case in many, if not most, situations with this species in our region.

Dave went out to this property near Tucson after several rattlesnakes had been seen in the area, but none were on the surface that day. However, now in April, one rattlesnake was found near an obvious hibernacula with signs of long-term use. The snake was relocated, and the property owner knows what can be done to prevent their return in the fall.

A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found in the corner of a garage near Tucson, relocated elsewhere within its estimated home range into carefully selected habitat.

From CJ: “Long Western Diamondback Rattlesnake the other morning. When I arrived it was ready to vámanos from the front porch. Customer asked about rattlesnake eggs and I was able to provide education on rattlesnakes giving live birth and how many people think quail eggs are rattlesnake eggs. When doing the inspection, I stumbled upon a clutch of quail eggs in a planter and was able to point them out to the customer. North Scottsdale.”

Another backyard protected from rattlesnake visits this year. They can live on the other side of the fence, and everything works out just fine.

A new rattlesnake fence installation leaving no gaps large enough for a rattlesnake of any size to get in. Baylend took care of this one.

A pair of Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found recently outside the perimeter of a rattlesnake fence we installed. This prompted a call to relocate the snakes and check the interior area as well, but the fence had done its job and no snakes or issues were found within.

From CJ: “Gophersnake friend crashing the customer’s lounge time on the patio. Took him to the river bottom where there was a good pile of debris he could hang out in. Litchfield Park.”

A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake had been hanging around on the back patio for a few days. Eventually, the homeowner called us to come out and help it move along. CJ found a nice packrat nest shaded by Palo Verde, where it was released directly to deep cover to help it survive the event.

Nik was called to this large Western Diamondback Rattlesnake a few blocks from a midtown neighborhood in Tucson. How it made it through all of the cars and human activity can’t be known, but Nik found the likely source and relocated the snake back to it.

A courtyard gate secured from entry by rattlesnakes recently by the team.

Snake Removal and Rattlesnake Fence Updates

Posted on April 5, 2024April 5, 2024 by Bryan Hughes

A quick Western Diamondback Rattlesnake relocation from this situation near Marana the other day. The snake was likely hibernating within or near the box, taking advantage of a little sun before its primary spring activities.

The first snake removal of 2024 for CJ! The homeowners were getting ready for bed when one went into the kitchen and heard a rattle. The front entry door was cracked open slightly due to the wind, and this small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake decided to pop in. CJ caught it with no issue and released it into a deep granite cave shaded by mesquite on a wash terrace.

This was in Ahwatukee earlier in the week.

This small Sonoran Gophersnake was called in as a rattlesnake stuck in the garage. After moving some things around, Marissa discovered it tucked into some plastic. Learning that gophersnakes are harmless and great pest control, the homeowner opted to have it released back to his property.

The number one negative comment left on our socials about our snake fencing: “there’s nothing there, they can get right in”. Thank you!

These make our day, proving the point of just how little rattlesnake prevention will visually impact the view. Just visible here in the sunlight, you can see the smooth steel mesh applied by Brent on a recent rattlesnake fence installation project.

This little Sonoran Gophersnake was called in as a rattlesnake, fleeing to hide in a rosemary right before Marissa arrived. She found the little one and was able to grab it right before it disappeared. They watched the sunset together in Ahwatukee before it was released to carefully selected habitat.

It’s a little early in the year for front door snakes, but this one was likely displaced by recent heavy rain. It was relocated to a carefully selected spot to dry off.

We’re nearing the end of ‘garage snake’ season. This was a repeat visit to this home for Marissa, but the first inside the garage. Its head was just poking out when she arrived, making for an easy capture and release.

This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake had been seen hanging around over the past few weeks. The last few sightings were getting closer to the building where people come and go, so it was time to be relocated to elsewhere within its homerange. Marissa gently captured and relocated it to a carefully selected location.

No rattlesnakes were found on a recent property inspection, but Marissa did find a couple of shed skins. One was from a harmless coachwhip, but the other was left by a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. The property was informed on the situation and what can be done to reduce future encounters.

To schedule a property inspection, email inspection@rattlesnakesolutions.com

Some rodent activity was noted during a recent property inspection. A detailed report about various, similar activity and other situations that likely have contributed to recent rattlesnake sightings and possible remedies were delivered to the homeowner. This is part of a regularly-scheduled property inspection service, which has shown to greatly reduce snake activity over time at even the most snake-friendly locations.

To schedule a property inspection, email inspection@rattlesnakesolutions.com

It’s hard to see, but there’s a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hiding out behind the trash bins at this Tucson home. It was a very short crawl from deep cover where it had likely spent the winter. Dave was called out to relocate it to a staging area adjacent to a suitable replacement hibernacula.

A homeowner in Tucson heard her three dogs “going crazy”. Fortunately, all of them had undergone rattlesnake aversion training, and had kept their distance despite the interest in the visiting rattlesnake. Dave was called out to relocate the snake to a better situation for all involved.

A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hiding out in the provided shade of a covered patio near Tucson. It was relocated to a better situation within its estimated homerange.

Barely visible and installed by professionals – this backyard won’t have to worry about the rattlesnake encounters of previous summers.

Nikolaus was called out to capture this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake that looked to have been displaced by the heavy rain. This was in a Tucson neighborhood, with several flooded packrat nests nearby where it had likely been staying.

With warmer temperatures come the move by rattlesnakes to become largely nocturnal. Here’s a recent one from Tucson, hanging out on a back patio. It was relocated to a carefully selected situation within its estimated home range.

Rattlesnake fencing installed by licensed, insured professionals. Share this with someone you know who could use a break from worrying about rattlesnakes in their own backyard.

Dave visited a place near Marana that had a rattlesnake a few days before, but found another stuck in the plastic cover. Pool equipment areas are common spots for rattlesnakes to den up for the winter, and this little one almost didn’t get to see the springtime. With some patience, Dave got it free and found a nice packrat nest for it to rest and contemplate its recent decisions.

Bryce went out for a call in Stetson Valley for a small snake cruising around in the entry of a garage. He found a Desert Nightsnake, a small and harmless species common in semi-urbanized areas. He found a good spot for it to safely continue looking for geckos and whatnot.

Lizard rescue! During a recent Property Inspection, Dave found a pair of Western Banded Geckos unprepared for the mass of rain. He helped them to a nearby dry hiding spot to return when the floods receded.

A big male Western Diamondback Rattlesnake did not appreciate being captured and unimpressed with Dave moving him from a front patio vantage point. Regardless, he eventually ended up making due with deep cover beneath some cactus within its estimated home range. Sorry dude.

A healthy, small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found hiding out under some stuff on the back patio near Tucson. It was relocated to a safer spot.

A large Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found under some patio furniture in Phoenix. These kinds of chairs aren’t suitable for rattlesnakes to really live under long-term, but make a great “camping” spot for a day.

A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake found in a garage recently. There are a lot of encounters just outside garages this time of year, as snakes that had likely been hiding in them for awhile finally start to make movements out and away. This one was relocated to a carefully selected situation within its estimated home range.

Bucket snakes! Here is some diversity of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. This is, as you may have noticed, the most commonly encountered snake in the area.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in a bucket waiting for relocation.

An old gate with new tricks. Brent installed rattlesnake prevention materials to this wooden gate, and rattlesnakes aren’t going to be coming in this year.

Kyle coming in with the flawless dual gate rattlesnake prevention install the other day! It’s like it was always supposed to be there.

Snake Removals in Arizona Updated August 8, 2022

Posted on August 8, 2022 by Bryan Hughes

The monsoon moisture is bringing a lot of rattlesnake activity to the homes of the valley. As always, we have been very busy – now with the addition of baby rattlesnakes!

24/7 Snake Removal & Prevention:

Phoenix-metro: 480-237-9975

Tucson-metro: 520-308-6211

https://rattlesnakesolutions.com

Rattlesnake removed from rocks near Scottsdale

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake near a front doorway

A young Arizona Black Rattlesnake from our Prescott hotline

Rattlesnake hiding in the shade near a home

Rattlesnake removal in Cave Creek Arizona

A baby rattlesnake, the first newborn of the year for us.

Speckled rattlesnake hiding between patio furniture

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake hiding in pool equipment

Rattlesnake found while watering the plants.

Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake from Phoenix

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake from Scottsdale

This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was found in the lantana

Rattlesnake removed from a Scottsdale patio

Snake Removals in the Phoenix and Tucson areas – catching up February 4, 2022

Posted on February 4, 2022February 4, 2022 by Bryan Hughes

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!

Happy 2022! Snake Removals and Snake Fence Installs

Posted on January 4, 2022 by Bryan Hughes

We’re in the dead of winter and getting a bit of time off on the snake removal side, which gives a bit of time to catch up on some photos from the end of last year. When things get busy, it’s not possible or reasonable to post every snake we catch, so things get spaced out to make sure that we have time to eat and sleep in between social media postings, and so that you don’t get upset with 20+ photos every single day 🙂

Our first removal of the year, however, came in right on Jan 1! Marissa caught two adult Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes hanging out in a garage.

These are the last of our 2021 calls and a couple of our first of the new year. Come on, Spring!

Snake Removal Updates, Fall 2021

Posted on November 10, 2021 by Bryan Hughes

This will be a big one … as the season winds to a close, snakes are busy. Not only are they looking for a last meal or two and mating, they have to travel to the places they plan on spending the winter. These dens, in the low and warm desert, can be just about anywhere that a snake can escape freezing temperatures and preserve the moisture they’ve been able to get during the year.

Typically, we remain quite busy through October and into about the second week of November. After that, rattlesnake activity decreases dramatically.

When do snakes go to sleep for the winter in Arizona?

Typically, primary rattlesnake activity ends in mid-November in the Sonoran Desert, and a few weeks earlier in higher elevations.

Snake Removal and Snake Fence Updates 10/05/21

Posted on October 5, 2021 by Bryan Hughes

Late September and early October are usually pretty busy for us. As the monsoon wanes, we see snakes of all kinds getting ready for cooler conditions. That means there’s a lot to do: eating, mating, and traveling to wherever it is they want to wait out the winter. That can often mean they end up in a backyard or garage, and we’re called out to help.

A spike in calls usually happens right after dark. This will likely continue throughout October, dropping off dramatically in the first week of November. Of course the weather and conditions will largely determine how long this lasts, but this is a trend we see every year and we have no reason to believe it will be any different now.

Snake Removal in Phoenix and Tucson areas

Phoenix and Tucson Snake Fence Installations

Likewise, October is a time that many homeowners realize that the fear of having a rattlesnake in the yard is something that can be stopped at any time. Things like making landscaping changes and having a snake fence installed can make a huge difference.

Snake Removals in Arizona 08/24/2021

Posted on August 24, 2021 by Bryan Hughes

This is just a small number of the removals we’ve done in the past few weeks. We are busier than ever. No, this doesn’t mean snakes are more numerous, but people sure are 🙂

Snake Removals and Rattlesnake Fencing Updates – 04/20/21

Posted on April 20, 2021 by Bryan Hughes

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.