Trapper Pat's Rattle Rescue believes every rattlesnake encounter is more than just an opportunity to save a person and a snake by relocating it. Each encounter has the potential to provide valuable information that can further improve the relationship between people and rattlesnakes as we share the San Diego desert together.
While Rattle Rescue strives to promote conservation of all rattlesnakes, special attention is paid to Poway's native species of rattlesnake, the Red Diamond Rattle Snake (Crotalus Ruber). The Red Diamond Rattlesnake is a species of special concern.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the importance and need to conserve the Red Diamond Rattlesnake.
Part of Rattle Rescue’s goals is the conservation of snakes in Poway. Through these conservation efforts, we strive to develop best practices to safely coexist with them and achieve a positive outlook on rattlesnakes to enjoy their magnificence.
Rattle Rescue uses a proactive study methodology to better understand the relationship and interaction between humans and rattlesnakes.
It is with this better understanding Rattle Rescue can develop these best practices to improve rattlesnake safety and prevention while preserving them in their habitat.
Every rattlesnake rescued provides more information for us to help preserve and coexist with these beautiful creatures. All rattlesnakes are studied prior to release. The study process only takes a few minutes, and great effort is made to prevent any additional stress the rattlesnake goes through during the rescue and release process.
When a snake is rescued and relocated all of the circumstance surrounding the encounter are documents. Some of the information includes:
1. The snake’s location, date and time of discovery,
2. It’s activity (moving, stationary, coiled, eating, etc.)
3. Snake species
4. Length, weight, sex, body temperature, number of rattles, etc.
5. Current weather information
6. Location as it relates to open space areas
7. Description of immediate surroundings (BBQs, patio furniture, wood piles, etc.)
8. Other miscellaneous information that may be relevant but not able to be categorized
Snakes are also marked on their rattle before release using a harmless tagging method. This allows us to discover patterns in snake behavior when/if they are recaptured on people’s property again.
Ultimately through these studies, Rattle Rescue hopes to compile information that can be translated into something actionable to improve the relationship between people and rattlesnakes.
This may come in the form of better safety tips at home or on the hiking trail, things you can do around your house to discourage rattlesnakes from coming near your property, or better educational materials online or improved in person seminars.
Snakes found to be in medical need will be treated by a veterinary doctor specialized in reptiles. If needed, snakes will be rehabilitated before release.
Euthanasia will only be done (reluctantly) if a snake is found to be beyond medical recovery.