Young Rattlesnake Removed from Sonoma Vacation Rental Before Guests Could Be Injured

​Friday mornings can be unpredictable in the wildlife removal business, and this call was a perfect example.
At approximately 10:00 AM on a Friday, I received a call from a property manager regarding one of her vacation rental properties in Sonoma. The home was occupied by guests, and they had discovered a rattlesnake coiled beneath an outdoor patio table. Understandably, they were concerned and wanted the snake removed as quickly as possible.
At the time of the call, I was about 30 minutes away. I assured the property manager that I would head over immediately and asked if the guests could safely keep an eye on the snake from a distance until I arrived.
Traffic and road conditions added a few extra minutes to the trip, but I arrived at the property within 45 minutes of receiving the call. After letting myself through the gate, I made my way to the backyard, where a group of concerned guests was waiting.
The rattlesnake was exactly where they said it would be—coiled quietly beneath a small patio table. What made the situation particularly concerning was the location. Had someone sat down at the table without noticing the snake, their feet would have been only inches away from it.
Upon inspection, I determined that it was a young rattlesnake, likely around one year old. Although smaller than an adult, juvenile rattlesnakes should always be treated with caution and respect.
Using professional snake-handling equipment, I carefully and safely picked up the snake and placed it into my secure transport bucket. The removal was completed without incident, and the guests were relieved to know they could safely enjoy the outdoor space again.
After removing the rattlesnake from the property, I charged only my minimum service fee. In situations involving occupied vacation rentals, quick response times are essential to protect both guests and property owners, and I'm always happy to help when wildlife unexpectedly shows up.
This incident serves as a good reminder that rattlesnakes can occasionally be found in backyards, patios, and landscaped areas throughout Sonoma County—especially during the warmer months. Before sitting down outdoors, it's always a good idea to take a quick look around, particularly in areas where wildlife may seek shade or shelter.
If you discover a rattlesnake on your property, keep a safe distance, do not attempt to handle it yourself, and contact a qualified professional for assistance.