snakes in the TC (Pasco, Prosser: home, subdivisions, living)

[jertheber]

I'm wondering about the presence of Rattlesnakes in the suburbs of the TC, I've visited Az in the winter and people there are very vigilant about the critters around their home in spring. Thanks.

[pnwguy2]

The Columbia Basin has perhaps the highest number of "Western Rattlers" in the State. It should be noted that rattlesnakes and other venomous snakes can be found all over the US, mainly in the south.

This link explains that most are smallish and generally afraid of humans. Anecdotally, I have never seen any type of snake in my ten years in the Tri-Cities. However, as subdivisions continue to spread throughout the area, humans are invading their territory!

Eastern Washington rattlesnake information

[M3 Mitch]

Out between Mabton and Prosser, I have seen exactly one small rattler on my porch in 26 years. There is a wildlife reserve across the highway where you need to watch where you step, though.

I don't consider vipers to be a problem, but I am more at home in the outdoors than most. Anyone who wanders around the desert not looking where their feet are going is bound to have problems.

[pnwguy2]

When I lived on Gage in the early 90's , I was riding my bike on Gage, (back when you could actually ride your bike on Gage) and swallowed a bee. My instinct was to just swallow it, and it of course stung me on my throat. Which of course caused swelling. Went to urgent care. They said I would survive, and I did.

Also threw my jeans on the floor one night, (yes, I'm a guy), and went to put them on the next morning and got bit by something, not sure what it was, but it hurt. Ignored it and it went away.

Snakes, nope.

Bottom line: Tri-Cities is a desert climate and it creates some bugs and bees that tend to survive in the climate, unless they were not all killed off during this last once in 50 year winter.

[jertheber]

Thanks for the info all, I am thinking of a possible move and don't really relish the thought of maintaining a high vigilance in the burbs. The TC has a good feel to it so it's high on my list of possible moving sites.

[Jenneke]

There are a few snakes, but unless you're planning on living out in the undeveloped rural areas, or like hiking in the desert, you will probably never see a snake, or anything more annoying than ants and occasional spiders.

[xPlorer48]

Originally Posted by pnwguy2

The Columbia Basin has perhaps the highest number of "Western Rattlers" in the State. It should be noted that rattlesnakes and other venomous snakes can be found all over the US, mainly in the south.

This link explains that most are smallish and generally afraid of humans. Anecdotally, I have never seen any type of snake in my ten years in the Tri-Cities. However, as subdivisions continue to spread throughout the area, humans are invading their territory!

Eastern Washington rattlesnake information

Nope, rattlesnakes do not exist west of the Cascades in Washington and along the Oregon coast. They do exist in the area between the Oregon Cascades and the Coast range maybe south of Eugene? I spoke with some landowners along the Columbia River north of Pasco who said they haven't seen any but do see rat snakes.

[oregonchickfan]

^^
Hahaha.... Someone is feeding you a load of bull.