Photo Credit: Tim Lawson Photography
As summer approaches in Portal, Arizona, the chances of encountering a rattlesnake increase. To help our community stay safe, we're sharing some valuable insights from local expert Dr. Gordon Schuett, Ph.D., on how to prevent these encounters. Rattlesnakes are the most common venomous snakes in our region, but with the right precautions, you can minimize the risk of encountering one on your property. Below are Dr. Schuett's tips on making your home and business less inviting to these unwelcome visitors. Stay informed and stay safe!
Preventive Measures to Reduce Unwanted Rattlesnake Encounters
(Portal, Arizona and Nearby Areas)
courtesy of Gordon W. Schuett, Ph.D.
Rattlesnakes (viperid; lineage Viperidae) are the most commonly encountered venomous snake in this region.
The Arizona Coral Snake (elapid, lineage Elapidae; Micruroides euryxanthus) is also present but is small, rarely observed, non-aggressive, and not considered a threat to human health. The Gila monster (lineage Helodermatidae) is a large-bodied venomous lizard that occurs in the region, but when left alone it is not a threat to human health.
Below are the four large-bodied rattlesnakes commonly encountered in Portal, Arizona and nearby regions:
1. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)
2. Mojave Rattlesnake (C. scutulatus)
3. Black-tailed Rattlesnake (C. molossus)
4. Prairie Rattlesnake (C. viridis)
Images of all four species can be found via Google.
The best way to keep rattlesnakes from entering your property is to avoid attracting them. Every property has features that may attract rattlesnakes, which can be changed to reduce the likelihood of an unwanted snake encounter.
Below is a list of preventive measures to reduce unwanted snake encounters on home and business properties:
1. Remove all boards and piles of trash close to your home or business. All snakes are well known for hiding beneath man-made objects. Never lift rocks, boards, or any other object without wearing heavy-duty gloves and using tools such as crowbars.
2. Bird feeders. Bird feeders using seeds attract birds, mammals, and other species that are prey for rattlesnakes. Keep bird feeders away from areas of heavy use and play grounds. Use caution when walking by or working near bird feeders.
3. Water sources. Use caution when walking by or working near bird baths, ponds, water bowls, and other sources of water.
4, Compost Piles. Use caution when walking by or working near composting piles and stations.
5. Use of outdoor lighting. Never venture outside at night without use of a flashlight and or having sufficient outdoor lighting (e.g., floodlights).
6. Finally, installation of snake-proof fencing is the only measure to create a secure barrier. All other remedies (e.g., anti-snake sprays, odors) do not work and are a waste of money. The large cities in Arizona (Phoenix, Tucson) have professionals — such as Rattlesnake Solutions ® — to install snake fencing barriers. They can be consulted at this e-mail address: info@rattlesnakesolutions.com.
7. Further information on preventing unwanted snake encounters and snake-proofing private property can be found at the following website:www.rattlesnakesolutions.com
