Last week we got a call from a client asking if we wanted to pick up a Rattlesnake they had caught in their yard! When we got there, we learned that his neighbor had sprayed the snake with wasp poison (a relatively common online solution for killing snakes).
First, let us say we understand! Rattlesnakes are terrifying and everyone needs to feel safe, as well as protect their family and pets. When something dangerous enters your property, you've got to do what you've got to do.
However, the result of the poisoning was over 24 hours of seizures for the snake. Depending on how much poison they ingest, it is typically a death sentence.
There are several wildlife service license holders (legally authorized by AZGFD to complete humane snake, or other wildlife, removal and relocation) in our area, including us. We will NEVER charge a fee for Snake or Reptile removal in Payson. If safe to do so, please call a licensed removalist to humanely relocate the animal.
Below is a small video (excuse the poor quality) of the beautiful Arizona Black Rattlesnake having the poison washed off it and convulsing. It was crucial to do this immediately, even though the snake can be seen seizing.
The photo in the comments is the snake today. It's alive and doing really well. We won't know for sometime what its long term prospects are, but, for now, we are happy it's still alive.
Ballantine has been in shed for the last few weeks, but he is very excited to show off his new Rattle segment now that he has emerged looking stunning!
Ballantine is a two year old, Crotalus atrox (Western Diamondback) and one of our best trainers.
Although Diamondbacks are considered 'generalists' and can live in a wide range of Arizona biomes up to around 7,000 feet elevation, they are not too common in Rim Country. They prefer 'Desertscrub' biotic communities over the 'Interior Chaparral,' 'Great Basin Conifer Woodland,' and 'Madrean Evergreen Woodland' we get in Rim Country.