Snakes in outlying areas - Litchfield Park, Surprise, North Phoenix/Cave Creek (insurance, price)

[PheenixJobless]

Originally Posted by DewDropInn

This. I got nailed by a scorpion in my garage a few weeks ago and it was definitely not pleasant. But I figured he and his buddies were here long before I got here and they will be here after I'm gone. A neighbor found a snake in her garage last week. It was curled up all nice and snug behind the water heater having a snooze. Sensible fellow.

We found a snake in our backyard too. Good thing it was winter, because during the other 8 months of the year when it's hot, we know the snake would have been very active and fiesty. I don't have a problem picking up snakes and moving them, but I know many others who do not like it.

[EnicAZ]

Originally Posted by PheenixJobless

We found a snake in our backyard too. Good thing it was winter, because during the other 8 months of the year when it's hot, we know the snake would have been very active and fiesty. I don't have a problem picking up snakes and moving them, but I know many others who do not like it.

It is a serious thing anyone needs to consider, how they feel about seeing and being around snakes, scorpions, and other creatures of the desert. It's frustrating how they are usually where you don't expect them.

[PhoenixAirConcerns]

Originally Posted by AZJoeD

Yes, you will see snakes. Rattlers, Bull, Red Racers, etc. Will you eventually find one in your tack room? Yes!

They live here. You learn to keep an eye out for them. If you are a horse person, you would know that snakes do not like horses (and vice versa), so they will be less of a problem around your horses. But if you have dogs, it could be a problem. Dogs are naturally curious and often stick there nose where they should not.

I see dozens of snakes every year and have even had to dispose of a few. If you do not want to be around snakes, scorpions, pack rats, bobcats, coyotes, javelina, owls, vultures, do not move out to the desert.

This is a pretty good overview. I would add that this happens throughout the Phoenix area, whether on the outskirts or in the most citified sections. It is also very important to keep an eye out for your dog to prevent an expensive trip to the vet, or even worse.

[EnicAZ]

Originally Posted by PhoenixAirConcerns

This is a pretty good overview. I would add that this happens throughout the Phoenix area, whether on the outskirts or in the most citified sections. It is also very important to keep an eye out for your dog to prevent an expensive trip to the vet, or even worse.

People do need to look out for their pets. However it is even more important to look after children. They may be curious, or end up chasing after a ball and end up sticking their hands in the wrong place.

[PhoenixAirConcerns]

Originally Posted by EnicAZ

People do need to look out for their pets. However it is even more important to look after children. They may be curious, or end up chasing after a ball and end up sticking their hands in the wrong place.

You are right, I should have said this first. Children are the most obvious risk (and importance) for getting hurt by snakes, scorpions, etc. It's that sometimes people just don't pay attention to their animals nearly as much as they should too.

[PheenixJobless]

Originally Posted by EnicAZ

It is a serious thing anyone needs to consider, how they feel about seeing and being around snakes, scorpions, and other creatures of the desert. It's frustrating how they are usually where you don't expect them.

There's a big problem in many areas, with the number of bites which took place as recorded by hospitals last year. Hopefully more people get educated and learn how to pick up or move snakes on their own. It can get expensive to have to pay the fire department every time.

[Kimballette]

Originally Posted by PhoenixAirConcerns

This is a pretty good overview. I would add that this happens throughout the Phoenix area, whether on the outskirts or in the most citified sections. It is also very important to keep an eye out for your dog to prevent an expensive trip to the vet, or even worse.

This is just preposterous. I've lived in Phoenix for many years and have never experienced anything of the sort. Yes, if you live in the hills or on the outskirts of the urban area, you have more chance of encountering wildlife, but the vast majority of Phoenix metro residents will never have an occasion to interact in any way whatsoever with snakes, javelinas, and other desert wildlife. These hysterical "sky is falling" stories are getting a bit worn out...

[Kimballette]

Originally Posted by PheenixJobless

There's a big problem in many areas, with the number of bites which took place as recorded by hospitals last year. Hopefully more people get educated and learn how to pick up or move snakes on their own. It can get expensive to have to pay the fire department every time.

Yet another broad generalization with hysterical overtones. I don't know that any of my neighbors have had to pick up or move snakes, nor "pay the fire department" to do so. I know I have never had occasion to do so. Exactly how widespread is this "snake epidemic?"

[EnicAZ]

Originally Posted by PheenixJobless

There's a big problem in many areas, with the number of bites which took place as recorded by hospitals last year. Hopefully more people get educated and learn how to pick up or move snakes on their own. It can get expensive to have to pay the fire department every time.

Thanks for your input. I have read some of the varying comments, and it is important to be cautious. Hopefully everyone can learn a lesson from others when it comes to the hazards of living in the desert.

[PheenixJobless]

Originally Posted by EnicAZ

Thanks for your input. I have read some of the varying comments, and it is important to be cautious. Hopefully everyone can learn a lesson from others when it comes to the hazards of living in the desert.

Not a problem. I have read some of what Kimballete has said, but I am just sharing my experience and the experience of those around me. Education is an important step for this process.