No laughing matter - snakes (Phoenix: neighborhoods, scorpion, place to live)

[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!

[Ponderosa]

You are being ridiculous. I too am from Wisconsin and you are far more likely to see a snake there than in a residential area here. Seeing snakes outside your door is just not part of life in Phoenix. You will see roaches, crickets, geckos, and maybe even a scorpion, but it is highly unlikely that a snake will visit your yard.

[Nanny Goat]

I don't think snakes are that common unless you're in the outlying more deserty areas. I've never seen one in years out here. If you're in a development type scenario, you very most likely will never see one.

[CheyDee]

I'm here 7-1/2 years and have never seen one. However, if I were to go hiking in the mountains or raw desert areas, (which I don't), it wouldn't surprise me to see any.

[briggsbee16]

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

[LBTRS]

You are being ridiculous for sure. There are snakes in Arizona but you don't normally see them unless you're out and about in the desert or area where they live. Residential neighborhoods are not their preferred place to live and hang out. I've lived here for four years and have not seen a snake, nor have I seen a scorpion that everyone outside of Phoenix seems to be hung up on.

Come enjoy Arizona and leave your fears in Wisconsin as there is nothing to be afraid of down here.

[AZJoeD]

You are overly concerned about snakes. While they are present, you would be more likely to be harmed by some other event.

Venomous Snake Bites

According to the CDC, 7,000 non-fatal snakebites are reported annually in the U.S. Approximately 3000 are classed as "illegitimate," meaning these bites occurred while the victim was handling or molesting the snake.

Dog Bites

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that roughly 800,000 dog bites are serious enough each year to require stitches. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that Rottweilers surpassed pit bulls in the 1990s as the breed responsible for the most fatal attacks.

And I did not include statistics for the most common attack, human to human.

[briggsbee16]

LBTRS,

Thank you so much!! You have set my mind at ease!

[Grannysroost]

briggsbee, coming from an MN native, I saw the biggest snake in my like in WI...one rattler here and one gopher snake ( I would feed him/her), one scorpion (saw more in WY). Life is good, your choice between hubby's health and critters...welcome or

[ReadyFreddy]

Going on 20 years and the only snakes I've seen have been out in wilderness areas.

I did see a roadrunner on Greenfield today.