Large Rattlesnake Removed from a Patio Chair in Napa, California

Working in wildlife removal means you never know when the next call is going to come in. Recently, I received a call from a concerned homeowner in Napa, California, while I was waiting to get my hair cut.
The client told me she had discovered a large rattlesnake sitting on one of her patio lounge chairs. Understandably, she was alarmed and wanted the snake removed as quickly as possible.
Since I was only about 12 minutes away, I decided to leave before my haircut and head straight to her property. Within 15 minutes, I arrived at the home and began assessing the situation.
Sure enough, the rattlesnake was exactly where the homeowner said it would be—coiled comfortably on the patio lounge chair. Fortunately, the snake was calm and not behaving aggressively. Using my professional snake tongs, I carefully and gently secured the rattlesnake and safely transferred it into my snake bucket.
Once the snake was safely contained, the homeowner could finally relax knowing her patio was safe again. The entire removal went smoothly, and I charged my standard minimum service fee for the call.
Encounters like this are a good reminder that rattlesnakes can show up in unexpected places, especially during warmer months when they are actively searching for food, water, shade, or a comfortable place to rest. Patio furniture, landscaping features, and other sheltered areas can sometimes become temporary hiding spots.
If you discover a rattlesnake on your property, the safest thing to do is keep your distance, keep pets and family members away from the area, and contact a qualified wildlife professional for assistance.
Every snake removal is different, but this call serves as a perfect example of how quickly a routine day can turn into a wildlife rescue mission.