Vertebrates
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Rattlesnake in my yard
Dear Curator,
I saw a snake in my yard. It didn’t rattle, but I think it was a rattlesnake. The head looked pretty triangular. What should I do if it comes back?
Curator Response
Hi Diego,
Rattlesnakes tend to move through backyards in a transitory way, so if you see a rattlesnake in your backyard, it’s probably not a permanent resident. When you see one around, keep pets and children inside and wait for the snake to leave on its own. Usually, they’ll be gone by night. Their lives are worth sparing because they make a big contribution ecologically by eating rodents. Don’t harass them or touch them. Typically, if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.
Curator of Vertebrate Zoology Krista Fahy, Ph.D.