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Snake sightings (All Western Diamondbacks, except the King snake):
4/21/2020: Bike trail Pima Rd/Deer Valley Rd - stretched across the trail - I did not run it over
11/4/2019: Sonoran Desert Preserve - Almost stepped on it while hiking
4/2/2021: Gateway Trail, McDowell Mtns - All curled up sunning itself on Good Friday
7/18/2022: Grayhawk neighborhood, North Scottsdale - Nature at it's best...so camouflaged...so cool
8/27/2022: Bell Pass, McDowell Mtns - King snake choke-holding a lizard - simply amazing
5/18/2024: Latigo Trail, North McDowell Mtn Preserve
"Snake Whisperer" is the nickname I give those who wish to be at peace with rattlesnakes. The truth is, we are guests in their habitats. Being curious and respectful of rattlesnakes is how we roll.
"Snake Whisperer" is the nickname I give those who wish to be at peace with rattlesnakes. The truth is, we are guests in their habitats. Being curious and respectful of rattlesnakes is how we roll.
Here are some easy truths to know and help you become a Snake Whisperer too:
Here are some easy truths to know and help you become a Snake Whisperer too:
Rattlesnakes are just as afraid of hikers as we are of them
Choose trails that are wide and well traveled
Your chances of dying from a venomous snake bite in the U.S. basically zero (1 in 50 million) per the U.S. Dept. of Wildlife & Ecology
Rattlesnakes hide in the shade and cool places during the really hot days of summer. They come out at dusk and will be most active during the night, crawling back into their shady places soon after sunrise. Spring is the most active time for rattlesnakes. You may still see them in winter, however they are mainly in brumation, taking refuge in dens or underground.
Rattlesnakes love rocks. Rattlesnakes love water. Stay away from rocks + water (that beautiful mountain stream lined with rocky banks)!
Rattlesnakes can strike 1/3 to 1/2 their length. Average length for Western Diamondbacks (largest population in AZ) is 4-6 feet...you do the math....stay back, leave them alone!
What to do if you are bitten by a rattlesnake....Seek emergency medical care asap...read on: AZ Leisure: Rattlesnake Bites
ADVICE: If you see or hear a snake, the best thing to do is to stop, assess the situation, slowly back away, and wait at a safe distance for the snake to leave. If there is a way to detour far around the snake, that’s a good option too. Don’t try to scare the snake away, approach the snake, or move the snake. Just let it be, and let it leave.
ADVICE: If you see or hear a snake, the best thing to do is to stop, assess the situation, slowly back away, and wait at a safe distance for the snake to leave. If there is a way to detour far around the snake, that’s a good option too. Don’t try to scare the snake away, approach the snake, or move the snake. Just let it be, and let it leave.
DON’T: Let snakes keep you from getting out on the trails.
DON’T: Let snakes keep you from getting out on the trails.
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