Crime & Safety

Rattlesnake Takes Cover in Backyard of Murrieta Home

The Murrieta Fire Department safely removed and relocated the sizable snake.

A large rattlesnake found Friday in the backyard of a Murrieta home was safely removed and relocated by Murrieta firefighters.

The residents of a home in the 26000 block of Contignac Drive reportedly called 911 when they encountered the snake curled up under some yard waste, Murrieta fire Capt. Forest Hansen told Patch.

The crew from Murrieta fire Station No. 4 responded at about 9:30 a.m. to find the snake still there.

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"It was a pretty good-sized rattlesnake," Hansen said, estimating it was approximately four and half feet long.

"Utilizing our training and experience, we were able to safely place the snake in a container made specifically for transporting snakes and other reptiles," Hansen said.

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"We then released the snake in an area that would not pose further threat to humans, as well as itself."

During the late spring and summer months, Hansen said the Murrieta Fire Department responds to between three and five similar calls a week.

Ninety percent of the time they are successful in relocating the snakes, he said.

"In the interest of public safety, we would like to remind folks that most snakes will take shelter during the heat of the day under things like plywood, wood piles and tree branches or anything that would shade them from the heat of the day, and that they should be careful while cleaning up or moving objects that may provide such shelter," Hansen said.

"Our little snake friends in the heat of the day will find shelter under things."

Last year, Hansen said, a 7-year-old boy was reaching behind a toybox when a rattlesnake bit him on his finger. 

"He was OK—he was treated right away—but that is your typical situation, when it's real hot they tend to hide out under things."

Residents should not hesitate to contact the Murrieta Fire Department if they have any questions about what types of snakes they may find in their yards, Hansen said.

Fire crews are trained by local health professionals about what to do in the instance of snake encounters, he said.


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