Latest news with #RattlesnakeSolutions
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Experts Wowed by 'Weird' Rattlesnake with 'Funky' Leopard Spot Mutation
A diamondback rattlesnake with a scale pattern resembling leopard print was discovered in Ariz. on May 10 The unique pattern was caused by a genetic mutation The snake was discovered in a suburban backyardA unique diamondback rattlesnake was discovered near Scottsdale, Ariz. on Saturday, May 10, ABC News 12 reports. The snake bears a leopard print-like pattern on its scales, which experts say is a genetic mutation. Rattlesnake Solutions posted the image of the snake, which they discovered in a suburban backyard. The organization works to educate the public on dangerous reptiles and relocate them from areas where they pose dangers to humans. The organization wrote in a recent Instagram post: "Well, this is ... weird." They went on to say that "This is a first" for them. The organization then offered some insight into the snake's unique scale pattern. "The area it was in rules out hybridization possibilities with most species ... not that there's anything morphologically that indicates that. Of all the possibilities, it's likely it's just a funky-looking diamondback." Bryan Hughes, the owner of Rattlesnake Solutions, tells PEOPLE just how rare the discovery is. "To put the rarity of this snake into perspective: Arizona is a worldwide destination for people who come look for snakes for recreation or research," he says. "There are many thousands of rattlesnakes encountered by hikers and homeowners each year, in addition to those that Rattlesnake Solutions is called to capture," Hughes continues. "In the past 25 years, only three snakes that have a similar mutation have been seen: this one, another in the same general area in 2016, and the first found around 20 years ago. It's the first I've ever seen, and likely the last." Mutations in diamondbacks are also a "unique" find, Hughes says. "It's uncommon to find wild mutations, but each year we come across a handful. These are more typically animals with stripes instead of blotches, missing patterns, and similar. But this is unique." As for what causes such a mutation, Hughes explains, "We are curious about the mutation and if it is genetic or a one-off result of environmental stress or heat shock. With the state of Arizona in the middle of a record drought and a warming climate, we are interested in the possibility of extreme phenotypic variation being a possible indicator, more than just a pretty snake." The snake was captured alive and relocated away from the private property on which it was discovered. Diamondback rattlesnakes have a bite that is highly venomous to humans and can be fatal. The venom, called hemotoxin, kills red blood cells and causes tissue damage, per the Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. A diamondback rattlesnake with no pattern at all on its scales was discovered in Texas in 2018, per Texas Hill Country. Also in Texas, a diamondback with a pattern of "dark brown paravertebral stripes" rather than the classic diamond shapes was discovered in 1960, according to an article published in the Kansas Academy of Science. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Project RattleCam returned on Wednesday, May 14, with its livestream documenting approximately 2,000 rattlesnakes emerging from hibernation in a "mega den" in Colorado. The livestream was set up in 2024 through a collaboration between scientists from California Polytechnic State University, Central Coast Snake Services, and Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, according to USA Today. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Look: Reptile wranglers find 'weird' diamondback rattlesnake in Arizona
May 15 (UPI) -- Rattlesnake wranglers in Arizona shared a photo of a "weird" snake they came across in the backyard of a Scottsdale home. Rattlesnake Solutions posted photos to social media showing what appears to be a western diamondback rattlesnake with a leopard-like color pattern. The snake's bright white tail base with black spots is "the only normal thing about it," the business said. Western diamondbacks normally have diamond-shaped patterns on their bodies, but Rattlesnake Solutions said leopard-like pattern is "weird." "In the many thousands of diamondbacks we've seen over the years, this is a first," the post said. The cause was said to be likely a "big pattern mutation." "The area it was in rules out hybridization possibilities with most species ... not that there's anything morphologically that indicates that," the post said. "Of all the possibilities, it's likely it's just a funky-looking diamondback." The business said the snake, which some commenters on the post speculated to be dead, was captured alive and "healthy."
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Unusual-looking rattlesnake found in Arizona backyard: 'This is a first'
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – An Arizona homeowner's discovery of a rattlesnake exhibiting an unusual color pattern left some snake experts rather amazed. The western diamondback rattlesnake was uncovered in the backyard of a Scottsdale home on Friday. Rattlesnake Solutions, a pest control service, posted the colorful photos on Facebook, stating that a pattern mutation may be the reason for the odd appearance. "In the many thousands of diamondbacks we've seen over the years, this is a first," a business spokesperson wrote in the post. The snake's tail stands out compared to the rest of its body as the base of the tail is bright white with black spots. According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), the typical pattern of a western diamondback rattlesnake is outlined in white and black, and the tail has alternating black and white banding. The Arizona Game and Fish Department says that Arizona has more rattlesnake species than any other state. The pest service remarks that the area where the snake was found is not a hybridization zone, ruling out any possibilities of breeding with other snakes. According to the NDOW, the western diamondback rattlesnake is a venomous species that uses its venom to subdue its prey. "We want people to know that there is a higher than average chance that they might encounter a rattlesnake when they are out recreating," said Thomas Jones, amphibians and reptiles program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Alligator Made Famous In 'Happy Gilmore' Dies At More Than 80 Years Old If bitten, suggests restricting movement to the affected area. If bitten by a rattlesnake, copperhead, or cottonmouth, keep the affected area at heart level. If bitten by a coral snake, cobra, or exotic snake, keep the affected area below heart level to reduce the flow of article source: Unusual-looking rattlesnake found in Arizona backyard: 'This is a first'
Miami Herald
13-05-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
A rattlesnake with leopard spots? See this rare mutation found in Arizona yard
An odd-looking snake found in an Arizona home's backyard has become a subject of debate on social media after closer inspection revealed it was a mutant rattlesnake. Western diamondbacks famously get their name from the diamond shapes along their back. But in this case, those diamonds have been replaced by spots. Stranger still, it's peach colored vs. the usual shades of brown and gray. The 30-inch snake was caught May 9 in Scottsdale by Rattlesnake Solutions, a '100% humane' rattlesnake relocation service. 'Well, this is ... weird. A western diamondback rattlesnake with a big pattern mutation,' company officials wrote in a Facebook post. 'In the many thousands of diamondbacks we've seen over the years, this is a first.' Rattlesnake Solutions owner Bryan Hughes says the snake is a healthy adult female, possibly pregnant and she was 'easy-going during capture.' 'It's hard to tell exactly what is going on here, but it looks like the normal diamondback pattern is disrupted,' Hughes told McClatchy News in an email. 'The resulting pattern looks like circles, or 'leopard spots' as some have noted. It also lacks the characteristic facial stripes, has a unique pattern on the head, and has peachy orange tones throughout that are atypical.' Photos were shared May 9 on Facebook and the post had racked up 2,200 comments and reactions as of May 13, including some theorizing it was the result of 'hybridization with other species.' 'Ok, I would never call a rattlesnake pretty until now,' Linda Kingston wrote on the company's Facebook page. 'I'd call it a leopard back rattlesnake if it is a hybrid,' Zach Reed posted. 'Is it me or does it look like it was bred with a ball python?' Skyler Osborn Ogas said. Hybridization with another species is unlikely, Hughes says. He's inclined to believe this is 'a unique mutation in the wild.' In fact, a 'superficially similar animal' was found in the same area approximately 20 years ago, he says. 'This is a very pretty snake, but it may also be a warning. If this is a result of environmental stress, further study would be helpful,' Hughes said. 'The area where this snake was found is in a zone of heavy urban development and increasing yearly temperatures. ... If mutations like this are an indicator of genetic mutation in response to a warming climate, it may be something we see more of in urban areas.'
USA Today
10-05-2025
- General
- USA Today
Can you spot the rattlesnake in Arizona homeowners' garage?
Can you spot the rattlesnake in Arizona homeowners' garage? It's best to state upfront that this is not a challenging quiz because rattlesnakes are much more difficult to spot when they're in a natural environment. But images shared to social media Saturday by Phoenix-based Rattlesnake Solutions help to illustrate that the venomous reptiles can be encountered in what might seem to be unlikely locations. Two images – one from a distance and the other a closeup – were shared by Rattlesnake Solutions as a warning for Arizonans to be cautious while rummage in garages. 'Fun times in the Catalina Foothills,' the snake removal and prevention company stated via Threads. 'When the homeowners pulled into the garage, they were met at eye-level with a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake climbing around in stored stuff. It was still up there when Nick arrived awhile later to help it get outside.' Click on this link to view the closeup, which reveals the precise location of the rattlesnake. ALSO: 40-ton humpback whale plays peek-a-boo with woman on boat off San Diego Western diamondback rattlesnakes are the most commonly encountered snakes in the greater Phoenix area. They average 3 to 4 feet in length and will not hesitate to strike if they feel threatened. 'They are generally quick to be defensive, and quite venomous, so keep your distance and leave it alone if encountered,' Rattlesnake Solutions states on its website.
