“Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.” ~Albert Einstein
Have a snake problem?
We have a snake solution!
I get it. Snakes, particularly rattlesnakes, are not everyone’s cup of tea. And when it comes to kids and pets things can get really uncomfortable and sometimes scary really fast.
The seemingly go-to method of taking a shovel to it is hardly ever safe, not to mention one of the main ways people get bit by venomous rattlesnakes.
So. What SHOULD you do instead of trying to deal with the snake yourself?
Rattlesnakes in the Wild:
When a rattlesnake is seen in its natural habitat in the wild it is ALWAYS best to take three steps back and walk away, even if it is on a trail or near recreation areas. Rattlesnakes are generally peaceful animals that would much rather flee if given the chance. The venom they produce is a precious resource for subduing and digesting their prey; it takes valuable time to replenish, and wasting venom to defend themselves means they will likely go without food for up to 21 days, depending on the size and sub species of rattlesnake. Because of this, rattlesnakes give perceived predators three chances to walk away before resorting to biting:
First they will typically lay motionless and use their unique color and camouflage patterning to hide, hoping the perceived predator passes.
If that doesn’t work they will shake their rattle to let the predator know they are there and to keep going. They will typically coil up to appear threatening to further encourage the perceived predator to leave it alone.
Finally, if given the chance, they will try to flee to safety. Rattlesnakes DO NOT chase people! If a rattlesnake appears that it is chasing you, you are likely between them and their perceived area of safety. It is best to move to the side and let the snake pass.
A rattlesnake in the wild is not only is it in it’s own home, but engaging with it or trying to kill it will only put yourself and anyone with you at risk of getting bit and becoming another statistic. Depending on where you are it could also be illegal to kill any wildlife, snakes included. If you feel it is a danger to you or others notify land management for where the snake is located (ex: Forest Service, BLM, National Park, State Park, Etc.…) or law enforcement. If possible take a GPS point as close to the snake as is safe, take a photo, note the time of day, and what the animal is doing. As this is all helpful information for whomever may be called to assist with relocation if it is deemed necessary.
Rattlesnakes or other snakes on YOUR property:
If you see a rattlesnake on your property or in your yard the very first thing you should do is secure any small children and loose pets. Next, while keeping an eye on the snake and/ or where the snake goes: call us or text us (text preferred, we will see it faster) with your address, a photo of the animal (an image is useful for identification purposes), the time the animal was seen, and a good call back or text number.
This service is unfortunately NOT 24/7 as this is a courtesy service, and availability is not guaranteed. That being said we will get back to you as soon as possible when we receive your message.
If we are available, we do request a small consultation/ relocation fee if called to the location (regardless of if a snake is found and removed):
Day Rates: (7:00 AM and 4:59 PM) $30 to come to the property, look for the snake, and relocate if found. Gas fee will be applicable at the market rate for my gas used.
Night Rates: (5:00 PM to 6:59 AM) $50 to come to the property, look for the snake, and relocate if found. Gas fee will be applicable at the market rate for my gas used.
What to expect:
If we have availability, and the gas donation has been agreed upon (if applicable), we will drive to your location, look for the snake (this is where it is helpful to have someone keep an eye on it), if found we will humanely collect the snake into a secure, escape proof bucket, and remove it from your property to suitable habitat closest by that is also away from residential areas. If the snake is not immediately found, we are happy to poke around for up to half an hour to look for it and give a consultation on things you can do to make your yard or property less inviting to unwanted scaly critters.
“Each year, 7,000–8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States. About 5 of those people die. More people would die if they did not seek medical care.”
Some Native Snakes
Found in Tuolumne County