In this video, Katie chats with John Romero, a seasoned expert in wildlife biology and a retired fish and game warden, as he offers invaluable guidance to homeowners residing in and around Phoenix's captivating wildlife preserve. With a profound understanding of snake behavior and a commitment to fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife, Romero addresses common concerns and provides practical solutions for navigating encounters with these slithering inhabitants.

Here’s the full video of the conversation between The Ahwatukee Mom and John:

Here are quick bullet points of John’s answers to the most popular questions from area homeowners:

What measures can I take to discourage rattlesnakes from entering my property?

Install solid perimeter walls or snake fencing. Do not leave your garage door open for long periods of time especially overnight. Be sure that garage doors and all exterior doors are sealed. Do not use dog doors or, if you do, keep them sealed most of the time.

Are there specific landscaping practices or habitat modifications that can reduce the likelihood of rattlesnakes being attracted to my property?

They are attracted to food, water and shelter. Reduce the amount of water by repairing leaks and regularly maintaining your yard watering system, avoid dense landscaping that is low to the ground and remove what attracts their prey (rabbits, rats, kangaroo rats, etc).

What should I do if I encounter a rattlesnake on my property?

Leave it alone. Back away slowly. It would prefer not to strike, don’t give it a reason to. The striking distance is typically half the length of the snake’s body. Call a local licensed snake removal service to retrieve it.

Are there signs or behaviors I should watch for to detect the presence of rattlesnakes nearby?

Stay aware and listen. The rattle is unmistakable. Take a flashlight outside at night.

What steps should I take if someone is bitten by a rattlesnake?

Get them to the hospital as quickly as possible. They will not make you wait at the hospital. Tell them it’s a rattlesnake bite. Do not attempt to cut or suck out the poison. Do not put a tourniquet on the victim. It is important that the victim stay calm to keep the heart rate down as much as possible.

What are the typical habits and behaviors of rattlesnakes in this area?

They become very active in April (spring). It’s getting warmer and prey is out feeding on the spring flowers and vegetation.

During which times of day or under what conditions are rattlesnakes most active?

Rattlesnakes are nocturnal and are most active at night. During the day, they will typically be under cover. They become more active when water isn’t readily available in the desert.

John Romero's expert insights empower homeowners to navigate snake encounters with confidence and respect for these fascinating creatures. By adopting proactive measures to deter snake intrusion and exercising caution when encountering them, residents can coexist harmoniously with the diverse wildlife inhabiting Phoenix's enchanting preserve.

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