Arizona firefighters responded to roughly 1,100 snake-related calls this past summer as record heat drove snakes toward homes and yards, according to a report from The Cool Down. I looked at the report’s account of the Phoenix Fire Department’s busy season, and one shift had already handled four snake calls by 10 a.m. and a sixth before noon.
The majority of the calls involved non-venomous snakes like gopher snakes and bullsnakes, which are native to the region and often seek shade or water near houses during extreme heat. Rattlesnakes, however, made up a smaller but still significant portion of the calls, requiring extra caution from both firefighters and residents.
What this means for Arizona homeowners
When snakes turn up in a yard or garage during a heat wave, the first step is to stay back and identify the species from a safe distance. I recommend reading through the steps to safely remove a snake from your garden shed, which covers how to identify the snake, open an exit, and guide it out with a long tool without getting close. For homeowners who are unsure of the species or uncomfortable handling the situation, professional help is available , and you can check the costs in this guide on how much professional snake removal costs in 2026, where prices typically range from $100 to $600 depending on the species and location.
The Arizona heat is expected to persist, and fire departments are bracing for similar call volumes next summer. The Cool Down confirmed that the Phoenix Fire Department handled the bulk of the 1,100 calls, with the busiest days coinciding with temperatures above 110 degrees.
The notice is published by The Cool Down at www.thecooldown.com.
