No laughing matter - snakes

[PoppySead]

Originally Posted by tnp

I haven't been too concerned about snakes in AZ before, but for 2 days in a row I've been warned about them. Yesterday my vet said that one of the vets in her practice moved to AZ recently and called her and said she couldn't believe the number of dogs she's been treating for rattler bites every day.

Then today, when I told my pharmacist I was moving to AZ, she shuddered and said she lived in Maricopa last year in a subdivision, not in an open area, and she had rattlers in her driveway and next to her foundation a lot. She also said she had a problem with gila monsters. She said nearly everyone in Arizona carries a gun to protect them from snakes. I know some people probably carry guns when they go hiking, but I kind of think she's exaggerating a bit when she says nearly everyone carries a gun everywhere they go because of the snakes. I guess I'll find out when I get there in 4 weeks.

LOL, that had to make me laugh but seriously it depends upon where you live. Some areas have it all, some don't have anything listed.
Snakes, usually out in the desert towns, Maricopa(certain areas), Ahwatukee by the mountain base, West Phoenix, North Phoenix, far out lying areas. Scottsdale by the mountains, Apache Junction. Those areas are more likely to have a snake.
Scorpions are in certain areas, depends, ask and use a black light as suggested. I've seen none out in a desert home and tons within the city. It just depends. There are hot spot maps but you really need to ask neighbors and use a black light. Call an exterminator in the area, they will know as well.
Roof Rats, usually Scottsdale and around that area.
Gila Monsters. You can tell by my name I'm familiar with your fear. But I've come to terms and now I'm fine.

[Kimballette]

Originally Posted by tnp

I haven't been too concerned about snakes in AZ before, but for 2 days in a row I've been warned about them. Yesterday my vet said that one of the vets in her practice moved to AZ recently and called her and said she couldn't believe the number of dogs she's been treating for rattler bites every day.

Then today, when I told my pharmacist I was moving to AZ, she shuddered and said she lived in Maricopa last year in a subdivision, not in an open area, and she had rattlers in her driveway and next to her foundation a lot. She also said she had a problem with gila monsters. She said nearly everyone in Arizona carries a gun to protect them from snakes. I know some people probably carry guns when they go hiking, but I kind of think she's exaggerating a bit when she says nearly everyone carries a gun everywhere they go because of the snakes. I guess I'll find out when I get there in 4 weeks.

I have one dog who loves poking her nose into everything. If I walked her in undeveloped areas, she'd definitely be a snake bite victim. However, they're just city dogs, so no snakes or gila monsters for them. And no cholla or other cactus spines in their muzzles from exuberant exploration.

Speaking of gila monsters, I think PoppySead even started a gila monster sanctuary in her home after she got over her fears. Shhh, I don't think she has the proper licensing for it...

[themudpuppy]

Originally Posted by Kimballette

Speaking of gila monsters, I think PoppySead even started a gila monster sanctuary in her home after she got over her fears. Shhh, I don't think she has the proper licensing for it...

LOL! I'm kinda looking forward to seeing my first gila monster. I'm not too worried about those. I almost laughed when the pharmacist told me how bad they are there, because I've been on these forums a long time and haven't seen complaints about gila monster infestations yet.

My dog sticks his nose in everything, but when he spotted a shedded snake skin in our yard, he stopped in his tracks and wouldn't get anywhere near it, so I think he probably has at least a little snake sense. I plan on taking him to snake avoidance training.

What's funny is that for the past few years I've been talking about moving to Arizona, and everyone I came in contact with that had lived there said I would love it, and now here I am finally able to make the move, and suddenly people are trying to convince me the place is overrun by snakes and that everyone is running around with guns shooting snakes every day. LOL!

[slackjaw]

Originally Posted by tnp

but I kind of think she's exaggerating a bit

If someone mentions "problems with gila monsters" with a straight face, then yeah it is a safe bet they are prone to exaggeration.

[PoppySead]

Originally Posted by slackjaw

If someone mentions "problems with gila monsters" with a straight face, then yeah it is a safe bet they are prone to exaggeration.

Yes, I was joking. As kimballette mentioned most on here know me from my irrational fear of the Gila Monster. I've never actually seen one, except in a zoo. No worries. That is when I became the "Gila Monster Whisper" a name I earned on hear after my lengthy thread on the subject.
Honestly, I never seen any of the pest you've mentioned. Heard about them, but not seen them. OP>you have nothing to worry about.