Boulder Garden Diamondback

A family staying at a rural Cave Creek home spotted this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake while housesitting and gave us a call. Jason found the snake making use of the property’s extensive boulder landscaping, which created numerous deep caves and cool retreats from the summer heat.

The setup closely resembled the surrounding native desert habitat, providing everything a rattlesnake could want. Fortunately, there was no shortage of similar habitat nearby, and Jason was able to relocate the snake to an area that perfectly mimicked the location where it was found, all within its estimated home range.

Displaced Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Austin responded to a Black Rock Coffee shop in southeast Mesa for this young Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, which was hanging out near a rodent bait box. Unfortunately, the patch of desert across the street that likely served as its home is being developed and will soon become the site of a new Target store. Because the habitat was being lost, Austin chose not to release the snake back into the area. Instead, it was relocated a few miles away to a location where several other snakes have successfully been released in the past, giving this young rattlesnake the best chance at a long life.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Waiting by the Front Door

A homeowner stepped outside to grab a package and, as she turned to head back inside, spotted a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake coiled quietly in the corner by the entryway. Although the home sits directly across the street from South Mountain, she mentioned this was the first snake she’d seen in her yard in over 20 years. Marissa arrived, safely secured the rattlesnake, and relocated it to suitable habitat within its estimated home range, away from homes.

Spicy Little Western Diamondback

CJ responded to a call for a juvenile Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in a small backyard. Despite its size, this little snake had plenty of attitude and nearly launched itself back out of the bucket moments after being secured. After the capture, it was relocated to a deep sandy wash and released into a tangled stand of Senegalia, where the thick cover and loose soil provided excellent habitat within its estimated home range.

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Your Bird Feeders are Attracting Rattlesnakes

Bird feeders can attract more than just birds. Marissa and Josh respond to several calls where rattlesnakes have taken advantage of bird feeders as hunting spots. When you attract birds and rodents, you also attract the animals that feed on them.

We explain why this happens, what homeowners should watch for, and why bird feeders can unintentionally create good hunting opportunities for rattlesnakes. At the end, we share some practical tips on bird feeder placement and other ways to keep enjoying backyard birds while reducing the chances of rattlesnake encounters.

Pair of Western Diamondbacks Before Fencing Installation

Marissa responded to a Scottsdale home after the homeowners’ pool technician spotted a rattlesnake near the pool equipment in the backyard. When he walked to the front door to notify the homeowners, he discovered a second Western Diamondback Rattlesnake coiled near the entrance. The snake by the front door slipped under a nearby bush but was quickly secured. The second snake required a little encouragement to come out from beneath the pool heater before it, too, was safely captured. The home sits directly across from a preserve, providing easy access to rattlesnake habitat. The pair turned out to be a male and female Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. Fortunately, the homeowners are scheduled to have our rattlesnake fencing installed next week. Timing couldn’t have been much better.

Window Well Rattlesnake Rescue

A cleaning crew was clearing out the deep window wells at a Peoria home when they spotted a small Western Diamondback Rattlesnake at the bottom of one. Despite an estimated eight-foot fall, the snake appeared completely unharmed. Jason safely removed it and relocated it to a spacious, cool packrat nest nearby. It offered many of the same benefits as the window well, with one important improvement: this new home came with an exit that didn’t require a ladder.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Finds the Only Shade

Jason responded to a North Scottsdale home after a homeowner spotted a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake moving along the side of the house toward the backyard before losing sight of it. The backyard offered almost nothing a snake would typically seek out: no clutter, no landscaping, and very little shade. After checking the area, Jason noticed a drain opening through the block wall leading back to the front yard. With only a small stack of unused roof tiles left to inspect, he found the rattlesnake tucked beneath them, taking advantage of the slightest bit of shade available. The snake was safely captured and relocated to suitable habitat within its estimated home range.

Rattlesnake Survey in Dangerously Hot Conditions

Arizona’s hottest months can make it seem like wildlife disappears, but that’s not really what’s happening.

I headed out before sunrise for a local rattlesnake survey to see how animals are coping with the extreme heat. During this time of year, many species shift their activity patterns or spend much of their time underground, relying on survival strategies that have helped them endure desert summers for millions of years.

One of those strategies is aestivation, which is similar to hibernation but occurs during hot, dry conditions instead of winter. Many rattlesnakes reduce their activity and spend extended periods sheltered underground, emerging only when conditions are more favorable.

Baby Rattlesnake With An Injury

This tiny little Western Diamondback was found by homeowners taking shelter under their trash cans on trash day. I came out to assist in relocating it. I was surprised by how small it was for the time of year but noticed some older healing injuries near its neck. Potentially the cause of missing a few meals when it was time to be getting some size on it. I released the young rattlesnake into an area full of little lizards deep cover and lots of natural resources far from any buildings and people within its home range in hopes this little baby can catch up and have a more successful future. – Alivia