Snake removal services utilize safe and humane procedures. These procedures are designed to provide the optimum amount of safety provided to the resident needing removal services as well as the operator who is removing the snake. Additionally, the procedures used are humane to the snake, with the goal of keeping the snake calm, and removing it without injuring it. Lastly, the location for release of the snake strikes the balance between a safe distance from the home and within the snake’s home range, increasing its chance of survival.
Once at your home, identification of the snake is the first step. If the snake is identified and IS NOT a rattlesnake, the recommendation is to leave the snake be. All snakes in San Diego besides rattlesnakes are not harmful to humans. These snakes are beneficial to the ecosystem around your home. They feed on vermin (such as rats and mice), insects, and bugs. Some non-rattlesnake species deliver a mild form of venom that typically results in an injury similar to a bee sting. There are aggravating circumstances though; things such as allergies and chronic medical conditions can cause more significant symptoms. If symptoms are severe, always seek emergency medical treatment. If you insist you want a non-venomous snake removed, it will be captured. Once identified as a rattlesnake, you will be advised to stand at least six feet away from the snake and behind any barriers that can shield you from a strike (examples would be trashcans, retaining walls, pieces of plywood, etc.). Snakes can strike up to one half of their total length. So, a six-foot snake can strike three feet. Most rattlesnakes never get longer than four feet. By staying six feet or further away, it will be physically impossible for the snake to bite you.
If the snake is a rattlesnake, or a non-venomous snake you want removed, the snake will be isolated and contained using natural barriers nearby, or by utilizing objects near it. By isolating and containing the snake, it reduces the chances of it getting away from capture. This will prevent it from moving into an even more threatening location for people or pets.
Once contained, the snake will be picked up with either snake tongs, a snake hook, or both depending on the snake’s size. Using the tongs, the snake will be gently squeezed to limit the pressure to the ribs of the snake. Hard squeezes are not used as they can break the snake’s ribs, aggravate the snake, and possibly cause it to violently lash out and strike. In addition to the gentle squeeze, the snake will be grabbed between 1/3 to ½ of the snake’s overall length. If the snake it grabbed right behind the neck and it lashes out, it can snap the snake’s neck.
Ultimately, the goal is to get the snake into a container while keeping it relaxed and calm.
Once the snake is grasped by the tongs and/or hook, it will be kept the full length of the tongs or hook away from the handler and will be gently placed into a lockable container. Once placed inside the container, the lid will be closed. Lids are held from the top and middle area when placed on the snake-filled container. This enables the lid to be used like a shield to block the snake’s fangs if it strikes. Lids are never held by their sides, as it exposed fingers to possible strikes. Rattlesnakes see heat sources with their heat pits, this allows them to essentially “see” hands through the lids and containers.
The containers have latches or screw on lids, which prevents the rattlesnake from forcing its way out. The container is also labeled with clear markings indicating the contents are venomous reptiles. The signage is in multiple languages, describes the species, as well as directions for medical treatment in case of envenomation.
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 considered (reluctantly) if a snake is found to be beyond medical recovery.
Snakes will be released generally within one kilometer (.6 miles) of the catch location in a removed location that is relatively far from homes, horse stables and if possible, well-traveled trails. Most snakes (including rattle snakes) live in Home Ranges. This is a geographic area (imagine a large plot of land) where they roam. This is their hunting grounds, where they bromate (kind of like hibernation), and reproduce. Snakes will never leave this home range. Releasing snakes outside the home range significantly reduce the snake’s chance of survival. Snakes released outside their home range will prioritize looking for familiar locations to get back into the home range. This search will distract the snake from its normal course of life (eating and finding safe places to sleep). Though this distance seems close to the catch location, it offers the best chance of survival for the snake and snakes will typically avoid returning, as the capture experiences is not pleasant for them.
If Rattle Rescue can’t catch the snake, it’s gone upon arrival and returns later, or you can’t wait, spraying the snake from a safe distance (and from behind barriers) with a garden hose will annoying the snake enough where it will eventually leave. This is not ideal, as the snake can still be close by, but is better than just ignoring it where it will stay in its current spot, causing a threat.