Poisonous Desert Reptile Removal
Rural/Metro's firefighters are trained to handle and remove the desert's most dangerous reptiles from your property. In 2001, we responded to over 5500 calls to remove snakes and gila monsters. It's not unusual for one of our "snake trucks" to answer as many as 15 calls a day at the height of the snake season. We do not harm animals. We simply remove them from densely populated areas, to keep them away from people.
Gila monsters are much less common to find, but if you've lived in Arizona long enough, chances are you've encountered a rattle snake.
If you're hoping to avoid future unexpected encounters, follow a few simple steps to secure your home and property.
- Keep your garage doors and exterior house doors closed at all times.
- Make sure your screen doors and gates fit tight, and apply fine-mesh screening (with no gaps) to iron fences.
- Be careful and observant when moving around plants or other places snakes could be present. Keep your eyes on the ground in front of you and check under large objects before lifting.
- Carry a flashlight when walking at night. Keep your eyes on the ground in front of you.
Remember -- If you do happen to find a snake or gila monster on your property, call Rural/Metro's non-emergency line for removal.
Maricopa/Pinal County - (480) 945-6311
Pima County - (520) 624-9913
Yuma County - (928) 782-4757