A few months ago, a homeowner in Arizona got quite the surprise while stepping outside — nestled quietly among their Halloween decorations near the front door was a guest they definitely hadn’t invited: a western diamondback rattlesnake.
At first glance, the snake’s camouflage made it blend right in with the surroundings, including the doormat. But once noticed, the reality set in — this was no rubber prop.
“This kind of thing is actually pretty common in Arizona,” Bryan Hughes, owner of Rattlesnake Solutions, told The Dodo. “Often, homeowners walk right past them without even knowing — until they spot the snake on their way back inside. As startling as that sounds, the snake almost always stays still, just trying not to be noticed.”
Recognizing the potential risk, the homeowner called Hughes and his team, who specialize in humane snake removal. They arrived quickly to help.
Using gentle, wide-panned tongs, the team carefully lifted the rattlesnake from its cozy hiding spot and placed it into a secure container. The porch area was also inspected to make sure there weren’t any other snakes nearby — a precaution especially important during colder months, when snakes often share den sites.
Once safely contained, the rattlesnake was relocated and released into a safe, natural habitat where it could go on its way — far from front porches and holiday decorations.
Though rattlesnakes often trigger fear, Hughes emphasized that these snakes aren’t out to harm anyone. Thanks to modern medicine, deaths from rattlesnake bites in Arizona are extremely rare. And, in most cases, the snakes just want to be left alone.
Instead of reacting with fear or harm, Hughes encourages people to do exactly what this homeowner did: contact professionals for safe removal.
By showing respect and caution, we can peacefully coexist with even our most misunderstood neighbors — and make sure animals like this rattlesnake always find their way safely home.
