By Alisha Brewer
It’s that time of year again when the warm sunshine beckons us outside. While we spend more time outdoors, it becomes more likely that we will run into some of the creatures that share our home. Spring is the perfect time for snakes. They love the weather as much as we do. For some, just the thought of a snake can send them into a panic. Others have adapted to life with snakes as just par for the course. Either way, many snake encounters are unexpected and leave the discoverer in a state of, “Ah! What should I do?” So let’s talk about that.
Throughout my career I’ve partaken in numerous police and swat training sessions on how to handle emergency situations. One message rings clear; when your fight-or-flight response kicks in (and believe me, when you see a snake, it will) it gets hard to think through the situation. However, if you have already visualized yourself in the scenario and walked through what you would do, you will be much more successful. Your body will revert to what it knows and, lucky for you, it knows the plan.
So, what is that plan?
Oftentimes, if you encounter a snake the best thing to do is nothing. Seriously! (Takes the pressure off doesn’t it?) If you’re out for a walk around the neighborhood or a hike through the trails and you see one, take a moment to admire it from afar. Then, just give it a wide berth and continue on your way. It’s as simple as that. But what about when it’s not so simple?
The other evening I was in my backyard with my totally deaf and nearly blind dog while my kids were playing on the swings. All of the sudden I heard what I thought was our irrigation system turn on and start watering our trees. For a split second I thought “That’s weird, it normally waters the plants in the morning,” then it clicked. It was a rattlesnake. It was my first time hearing a rattlesnake in person, so it was definitely scary! My body went into reaction mode. I turned around, grabbed my dog and yelled to my kids to get in the house. Luckily, everyone was fine. My unaware dog had been sniffing a little too close for the snake’s comfort. I said a silent “thank you” to the snake for giving us a warning before it took any action. My husband and I went back outside with a flashlight and found a diamondback rattlesnake removing itself from the area. The problem was, it was in the confines of my walled backyard, so there wasn’t really a “good” place for it to go. Luckily, I had already thought through this exact situation.
On my phone, I had created an album that was just for snake removal. It contained the non-emergency number for our local fire department and the contact information for two snake removal services. (I have since added the contact number and information for an emergency veterinarian and an after hours emergency veterinary care center.) In the heat of the moment, while dealing with an elevated heart rate, I didn’t have to fumble through google searches or forum postings and try to figure out how to get the venomous snake out of my yard. I was already prepared to deal with the situation, it was as simple as dialing a number and keeping an eye on the snake until help arrived.
I know that for some, the sighting of a snake in their yard means that the shovel is coming out and heads are coming off. This way of thinking never appealed to me for a couple reasons. First, it’s just kind of a jerk move. Whether one likes snakes or doesn’t, most are still able to appreciate that snakes are pretty amazing creatures that are actually worthwhile to have around. Second, most people who are bit became so because they were trying to capture or kill the snake. If the snake is venomous, one vial of antivenom costs around $2,000. Most recipients require at least four vials! Personally, I have better things that I’d like to spend my money on.
So, take a moment to look up the contact number of your nearest fire department. Do a google search or check the Rita Ranch Facebook forum for individuals that will remove and relocate snakes. Put the information in your phone, on your fridge, or wherever your “go-to” place will be should you need it. Look at that! You have a plan and your body will know just what to do. Now get out there and enjoy our beautiful spring weather and know that should any surprise appear, you got this!
Alisha Brewer is a veteran zoo keeper of nearly 15 years. U of A alum. Boy mom, veggie dog connoisseur, anti Oxford comma and eternal optimist. Alisha hopes to connect residents to the incredible creatures that surround us.
