Each year, Fountain Hills Rural/Metro Fire Department receives hundreds of calls for snake removals.

“We recognize that a rattlesnake, or other poisonous reptile, that is seeking shelter in your home poses a serious risk to you and your pets,” Fountain Hills Rural Metro Fire Chief Randy Roberts said.

Herpetologists with the Phoenix Herpetological Society sat down with Rural/Metro officials to discuss the patterns and natural habits of snakes to better understand their typical patterns.

“In the end, the message is clear: snakes have been occupying our state for millions of years, we live in their home. We must respect their role in our world and live with them,” Roberts said.

Snakes can detect one degree of temperature change up to 20 feet away.

This means they will seek out warm areas like driveways, pool decks, and sidewalks when they are cold and cool places like garages when they are hot.

Snakes want to avoid human contact. They are completely unaware that a home is a man-made structure built on their habitat. They see it as a place to warm up or cool down depending on their condition.

“Recently, we experienced an increase in snake removal calls when the outside temperature reached 80 degrees,” Roberts said.

“Across Arizona snakes emerged from their dens in search of the warm rays of the sun.”

Here is what residents should consider before calling the Fire Department for a snake removal.

*Snakes are not bad. In fact snakes have an important role in the ecosystem. It is important to remember that a snake that is seen in the desert does not warrant a call for removal. However, you should call the Fire Department immediately if a rattlesnake is in your garage, inside your home, or on your patio.

*Non-venomous snakes are often confused for rattlesnakes. A few prominent characteristics of the rattlesnake are a shovel shaped head and it gives distinctive warning rattles if it feels threatened. Should you determine that the snake is venomous or are unsure and it poses a threat to you, your family, or your pets, do not hesitate to contact the Fire Department for removal.

“Snakes are like fireworks; they are unique and are present a few times a year. And just like fireworks, let the professionals handle them,” Roberts said.

Here are important things to remember in addressing a snake bite.

*Remain calm; an increase in the heart rate will increase the spread of toxic venom throughout the body.

*Call 911 immediately and seek emergency treatment.

*Do not attempt to cut out the venom with a knife and do not try to suck the venom from a snake bite.

*There is no need to capture or kill a rattlesnake to bring to the emergency department. Modern antivenin does not require sampling from the snake itself and the emergency medical staff is not equipped to deal with an agitated snake in the emergency department.

“This snake season, let’s all work together to recognize the habits of these indigenous reptiles and prevent avoidable accidents,” Roberts said.