No laughing matter - snakes (Mesa, Flagstaff: fit in, home, buy)

[ILikeEveryone]

A friend of mine has this same phobia and constantly is warning me about the snakes in the Phoenix area. Realize this is an unrealistic fear unless you like to drink heavily and wander through the creosote barefoot late at night in an unpopulated area. Both DH and I have some arthritis and we are hoping the dry weather will be extremely beneficial. Good luck with your move. It's too darn cold in Wisconsin.

[matyoka]

Originally Posted by ReadyFreddy

I did see a roadrunner on Greenfield today.

Did it say: beep, beep?

[MotleyCrew]

I saw 5 big fat rattlesnakes, one as big round as my arm......7 years ago and have not seen one since the development is pretty much done now. They move on to more quiet hunting grounds.

[Journey2]

Ahwatukee, and I saw a friend of mine with a snake in her bedroom last year, but her house was at the foot of mountains more or less. Other than that nothing to worry about

[LeftCoaster206]

We live in Gilbert and the only snakes we've seen have been at the zoo. I think Fountain Hills has a few snakes every year and if you are near the mountains or out in the desert.

As for scorpions-yes, we have found those in the house. Over the last 7 years, about 12 or so. They seem to have years with bigger populations. We haven't seen one in over 2 years now (knock on wood). At least scorpions don't strike. Mostly you hear about people accidentally stepping on one while barefoot.

The weather is so beautiful here in the winter!

[Bondurant]

Snakes are all over the US. Rattlers too. Why people think there is extra need of caution or concern in AZ is beyond me.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Bondurant

Snakes are all over the US. Rattlers too. Why people think there is extra need of caution or concern in AZ is beyond me.

Yes. There are few snakes here compared to most places. There are relatively few of anything here with the exception of humans of which there are way, way too many.

[las vegas drunk]

Originally Posted by briggsbee16

Hello Southwesterners!

My husband is a chronic pain sufferer. His Dr. has recommended that he move to a warm, dry climate. We are from Wisconsin. I am deathly afraid of snakes, and I really don't know if I could live somewhere knowing a snake could be right outside my door. I would appreciate it if someone could tell me really what it is like, and hopefully I am being ridiculous.


Thank you, I think!

Originally Posted by briggsbee16

OK. That makes me feel better. Thanks to all. The scorpion thing, though. That could be scary.

I was born in Phoenix, and lived 30 years there. I have never once seen a snake outside my door or inside my house or apartment. I have never seen a feral snake whatsoever. Only once did I see a scorpion in the house, and that was out in far north Arrowhead (83rd and Deer Valley). I do not think you are being ridiculous as you have never been here, but at the same time since I have, I can tell you that your fears are a non issue.

Hope that helps.

[rainroosty]

Arizona is a wonderful place to go snake and lizard hunting with your camera! I'd love to visit there, or New Mexico or Texas, to do just that!

[locolobo13]

Gotta agree with everyone. More snakes elsewhere than here. That said I've seen seen 1 snake in my backyard and 2 in my house in the last 10 years. None poisonous.

The only reason the 2 were in my house is 'cause my cat brought them in to show them off. Dropped 1 right on my bare feet! Better than some of his other gifts though.