A Sonoran Gophersnake made its way into a chicken coop, and had recently found a meal. Chicken coops are magnets for snakes because they also attract other prey items, like rodents and other birds. Apryl helped it get back 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/
Marissa went to investigate possible rattlesnake activity at a home in Ahwatukee, but it ended up being a shed skin from a gophersnake. Indicators here: strongly keeled (ridged) scales along the back of the body, visible black bands in the latter third into the pointed tail, and a dorsal stripe running down the center of the skin, which is formed by tightening of the smaller dorsal scales as the shed dries in gophersnakes.
For more information on our Property Inspection service: https://rattlesnakesolutions.com/keep-snakes-away/rattlesnake-prevention.php
