Backyard Herping -- Timberback Rattler

[Sonya610]

I would love to have him/her relocated....thing is I live in a very rural area and we are surrounded by hundreds of acres of forest. The animal does not live in my yard it just comes through occasionally while hunting. As soon as it is discovered he/she immediately goes back into the woods.

Relocating would probably mean I would have to capture the snake if/when he visits again and then move it myself which I am not to keen to do seeing as how I have seen venomous snakebite photos.

[the_edsta]

I would love to have him/her relocated....thing is I live in a very rural area and we are surrounded by hundreds of acres of forest. The animal does not live in my yard it just comes through occasionally while hunting. As soon as it is discovered he/she immediately goes back into the woods.

Relocating would probably mean I would have to capture the snake if/when he visits again and then move it myself which I am not to keen to do seeing as how I have seen venomous snakebite photos.

That makes it more difficult. I'm sure you already are... but be careful out there!

I'll say this much -- relocating (and capturing in general) is a lot easier in cool weather. I've wrangled some GIANT cottonmouths on cool days without a problem... but the same snake on a hot afternoon can be extremely aggressive. If you give them a dark bag or box to crawl in to (with a secure cover, of course!) they usually find there way into it. There is also this cool little trick of using a heat pack!

A better way to catch a rattlesnake - YouTube

[Steveo]

Are there any local wildlife organizations that would relocate the snake? Maybe keep it for educational purposes? The trouble with rattlesnakes is that they often live in communal dens and tend not to travel too far from home. Unless the snake is moved a few miles from where you found it, it'll still be in it's home range and will be likely to return.

[Sonya610]

The trouble with rattlesnakes is that they often live in communal dens and tend not to travel too far from home. Unless the snake is moved a few miles from where you found it, it'll still be in it's home range and will be likely to return.

I think there is a den somewhere around here. This is a very rural redneck area and two people that live across town (my vet and my lawn guy) have seen dead timberbacks on this tiny dirt road. Apparently they are somewhat uncommon in this county but they are frequently sighted in this small area. Well my lawnguy told me the only neighbor killed one, and I believe my vet killed the other so they couldn't have been the same animal.

I wonder if chickenwire around the bottom of the fence would help? It is a hogwire so it is no obstacle for the snake at all.

I saw a post from a guy in a nearby town that will relocate snakes and I messaged him for advice, he probably doesn't deal with venomous but I will see if he replies.

[Chondro788]

From what I have read, relocating rattlesnakes often times leads to confusion and death. They use the same den year after year, and often when relocated do not find a suitable den and die in the winter.

[Sonya610]

From what I have read, relocating rattlesnakes often times leads to confusion and death. They use the same den year after year, and often when relocated do not find a suitable den and die in the winter.

Good point and if there is a den another one could show up at anytime. Would chicken wire help? I would think so, I don't think the snake really wants to get into this yard, he just wanders into it. If he came up on the chicken wire he would probably just turn around instead of searching the fenceline for a tiny gap wouldn't he?

[thamneil]

Seeing as you live by the wilderness, relocating is pointless! Just be aware of the fact that the timbers also share your property

[kueluck]

I didn't realize that you were THAT rural. I guess that's just one of the "benefits" to living in an area like that.

I would love to have him/her relocated....thing is I live in a very rural area and we are surrounded by hundreds of acres of forest. The animal does not live in my yard it just comes through occasionally while hunting. As soon as it is discovered he/she immediately goes back into the woods.

Relocating would probably mean I would have to capture the snake if/when he visits again and then move it myself which I am not to keen to do seeing as how I have seen venomous snakebite photos.

[BUSHSNAKE]

ill come and "relocate it" for you...free of charge

[EasternGirl]

We have timber rattlers in Delaware...but I have yet to be lucky enough to see one in the wild. I really hope I do someday. Lovely snake. Great that you are so concerned for him. Thanks for the pic! Keep us posted.