Scottsdale Has Rattlesnakes, Tips for Cohabitation

When you buy Scottsdale homes remember that you have moved into and now live in rattlesnake territory. So like it or not you have to learn how to cohabitate with the wildlife around you. A few years ago while showing a North Scottsdale home a rattlesnake slithered up onto the front porch. The buyer was terrified of snakes so in order to get the buyer out of the home, the snake had to be killed. The snake had been waiting near a bird?s nest that was in a low plant next to the porch.

On a second visit to this home, rattlers were heard just off our path. As I walked towards the sound and there were two rattlers coiled around each other making babies?something I had never seen before. The clients ultimately bought the home, but they did order a snake inspection (and interestingly, the report came back clear with no snake dens found on the lot). But then the day after closing, the buyers were having the carpets shampooed, and another snake curled up underneath the carpet cleaning company?s van, which was parked on the front driveway.

Although these incidents were very unusual to have all occurred at the same home, it just shows how it?s possible to run into rattlesnakes just about anywhere in the Valley. Rattlesnakes are not mean creatures, they are not aggressive and do not attack people and pets unprovoked. Rattlesnake bites are almost always defensive reactions to an interaction with someone or something?unless you are a small rodent, lizard or baby bird, in which case you are dinner.

Here are some tips to avoid rattlesnakes, provided by DesertUSA:
? Be sure to walk or hike in areas where you can see the path, and watch where you step or reach with your hands.
? Use a walking stick or other device to rustle the shrubs along the side of route to alert snakes of your presence.
? Wear high boots or hiking boots, long pants and gloves (when using your hands to move rocks or brush).
? Don't put your hands or feet in areas where you cannot see, such as on a ledge or in a crevice and use caution when you pick up rocks or debris where a rattlesnake may be hiding.

Everyone should also be aware of ways to protect your pet from rattlesnakes. These are some additional tips offered by DesertUSA:

? Always keep your dog or pet on a leash when outside of your home or away from your yard.
? Don't let your dog wander into tall grass or thick shrubs where rattlesnakes may be hiding.
? Be careful along streams and riverbeds as snakes are often found in the tall grass near water sources.
? If you encounter a rattlesnake, stay a minimum of ten feet or more away from the snake and walk around the area or take another route.
? Always have the name, address and phone number of a nearby Emergency Veterinary Hospital with you when you venture out to hike with your dog and keep emergency numbers in an easy-to-find location at home.
? Enroll your dog in a Rattlesnake Avoidance Class from a local dog trainer who has experience training dogs to avoid rattlesnakes.
? Ask your vet if he or she feels a rattlesnake vaccine is appropriate for your dog.

Be aware of your surroundings and navigate the gorgeous Arizona desert safely.