Rattlesnakes in Arizona Yards: What to Do If You See One

If you see a rattlesnake in your Arizona yard, stay calm, back away, and give it plenty of room. Do not try to kill, move or capture it. Most bites happen when someone corners or handles a snake. If you or a pet is bitten, call 911 right away.

I'm Terry Day, and I help people move to the Valley. Rattlesnakes come up more than you'd think, usually from newcomers asking if they should be worried. Here is what Arizona Game and Fish and Banner Health say, in plain English.

How Many Rattlesnake Species Does Arizona Have?

Arizona has 13 species of rattlesnake, more than any other state, according to Arizona Game and Fish. The ones people run into most often, depending on where they live, are the western diamondback, sidewinder, Mojave and black-tailed rattlesnakes.

When Are Rattlesnakes Active in Arizona?

Rattlesnakes in the desert are most active from March through October. Banner Health says they are around year-round, but they get busier once daytime temperatures climb past the low 80s. In spring they are often out during the day. As summer heats up they move more at night, and activity can stay high after the monsoon rains. Warm spells can also bring them out earlier than you expect. Baby rattlesnakes, born in late summer, are venomous from birth.

So even though it's mid-November, a warm afternoon is a good reminder to keep watching where you step.

What to Do If You See a Rattlesnake

A startled snake may coil and rattle as a warning. The advice from Game and Fish is to step back, give it a wide berth and move on. An upset snake usually holds its ground rather than chasing you. Keep in mind that a rattlesnake can strike without rattling first, and it can strike up to about half its body length.

Bring kids and pets inside and keep everyone away from it. Avoid handling any snake, even one that looks dead. If one settles in near your door, garage or pool, Game and Fish lists licensed wildlife control businesses that can remove and relocate nuisance wildlife for a fee, so that is a safer route than doing it yourself.

How to Make Your Yard Less Inviting

Snakes look for food and shelter, so the goal is to take both away. Game and Fish suggests cleaning up yard debris and cutting down on standing water near the house. A few more habits help:

Watch where you put your hands and feet when you garden, move rocks or reach into planters, because snakes blend in. Carry a flashlight when you walk outside after dark, especially on warm nights. Keep dogs on a leash on hikes. Wear boots and long pants in brush or desert areas, and stay on marked trails.

What to Do After a Rattlesnake Bite

Banner Health and Game and Fish give the same core steps. Call 911 right away, or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency department. Stay calm and as still as you can. Keep the bite below heart level if you can do that safely, and take off rings, watches or tight clothing before swelling starts.

Do not put ice on the bite, cut the wound, try to suck out the venom, or use a tourniquet or tight band. Do not try to catch or kill the snake. Treatment does not depend on the species, and chasing it risks another bite. Banner says its emergency departments across Arizona offer antivenom treatment. The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center is at 1-800-222-1222.

Questions People Ask

Are rattlesnakes common in Phoenix neighborhoods? Yes, they can show up anywhere the desert meets homes, including yards and washes, since Arizona has 13 species. Seeing one is not a reason to panic, but it is a reason to watch your step and keep pets close.

Do rattlesnakes always rattle before they strike? No. The rattle is usually a warning, but they can strike without rattling, so never rely on hearing it.

Should I try to move a snake out of my yard myself? No. Most bites happen when someone tries to corner or capture a snake. Leave it alone, keep people and pets away, and call a licensed wildlife control business if it won't leave.

Do I need to worry about snakes when buying a home in Arizona? It is worth asking about during your visit and noticing the lot, such as rock piles, brush and drainage areas. Pests and wildlife are also a good thing to discuss when you walk the property. See my related posts on scorpions in Arizona homes and javelina and coyotes in Phoenix neighborhoods.

More Help for New Arizona Residents

Bringing a dog? Read Moving to Arizona With Pets. Hiking more this season? See Fall Hiking Season in Phoenix. Planning your move, start with my Moving to Phoenix guide and the cost of living in Phoenix page, or see how buying a home works.