PHOENIX — Everyone knows the sound — iconic of the West — a rattle and a hiss echoing over the desert. We've had a long stretch without them, but now the rattlesnakes are waking back up.
Arizona had a long winter, and that extended cool period means that rattlesnakes are only just starting to come out of hibernation. It's later than usual, which means that these snakes have just three things on their mind: Food, water and a little bit of lovin'.
While they hunt and drink, the snakes are also looking for a little bit of privacy. So it's no surprise that calls for snake removal are ramping up as they slip into the enclosed spaces of Valley homes.
Nicholas Massimo, owner of Snake Guru, caught two snakes mating on the patio of a Valley assisted living home during a call for removal.
“They did not get embarrassed. They did not stop. They kept mating the whole time from picking them up, to transport, to release. It was impressive,” Massimo said.
Massimo said finding two rattlesnakes mating in the wild is a rare opportunity.
“It was a really special first time,” Massimo said.
Mating season is on full display at the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary.
“It’s not just like going on Tinder and swiping left or right for them,” Animal Care Manager Casey Brose said.
As snakes come out of hibernation, Brose said males are busy looking for females to court. If they’re successful, the babies will be born live in mid to late summer.
“These guys will give up to 10 to 12 babies at a time and they’re this long and they look just like the adults and they’re stinking cute,” Brose said.
Despite popular belief, experts told 12News rattlesnake behavior toward humans doesn’t change with mating season. Venomous snakes are always dangerous.
“What they’re doing is looking for love from other snakes,” Brose said. “We don’t have to think of them as being more aggressive.”
If anyone gets too close, rattlesnakes will always be sure to let them know.
“You hear that tall tail warning,” Brose said.
When you encounter a snake, experts say that the most important thing to do is stay calm. If that snake is in the wild, turn around and walk away. If that snake is close to humans or pets, call a professional to come and relocate it.
If you are bitten by a snake, call 911 immediately. If possible, gentle wash the bite area with soap and water. Remove anything like watches, rings or bracelets that could constrict the area when it swells. Keep the bitten part of your body still, and keep it below your heart if possible.
Ultimately, bites are rare and deaths are even rarer. Out of the roughly 8,000 Americans bitten by any venomous snakes in a year, only 10 to 15 actually die. So remember, even if it's scary, the odds are in your favor.
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