Trained Expert Expels a Rattlesnake From a Backyard by Dousing It With… Cooking Spray?

Hot summer days are ideal for relaxing by the pool, and not just for humans. In this video from Rattlesnake Solutions‘ YouTube Channel, a rattlesnake thought it would enjoy its own snooze in the cool darkness of a pool heater, only to find itself trapped without a way out. Fortunately, a human rescuer intervened and helped the snake escape to see another day.

Rattlesnakes and the Challenges of Urban Living

Rattlesnakes are native to the Americas, including regions from Canada to Argentina, and can be found in a wide range of habitats, from coastal scrublands and deserts to forests and swamps. While many live in wild, undisturbed areas, numerous others are now found in urban areas, especially where human populations have encroached on their natural habitats.

In the wild, rattlesnakes often seek out dens, rocky outcroppings, and other protective spaces for shelter. As cold-blooded reptiles, they rely on external sources to regulate their body temperatures. This means they need both shade for cooling and sunny spots for basking. During the winter, they often move underground or into a den to keep warm.

In urban environments, rattlesnakes are frequently drawn to backyards, gardens, and sheds. These areas often provide plenty of things to eat, like mice and insects, as well as lots of good places to hide.

What to Do if You Find a Rattlesnake in Your Home

If you find a rattlesnake in your home or garden, remain calm. Move slowly and stay at least 5 feet away from the snake. In most cases, it will quietly slither away, relying on its camouflage and stealth. Rattlesnakes are typically shy and nonaggressive. However, if it feels threatened, the snake may coil and rattle its tail as a warning. Keep children and pets away from the snake and contact a professional service, wildlife handler, or animal control to relocate it.

While you can’t completely prevent snakes from coming into your yard, you can take steps to reduce the likelihood of such an encounter. Clear away any clutter or debris, such as piles of leaves or stacks of wood, as these provide excellent hiding places for both snakes and their prey. In addition, keep windows and doors shut to prevent any unwanted visitors.

In the event of a snakebite, remain calm. Call 911 right away and seek medical attention. Do not try to capture the snake, and keep others away from the area.

Cooking Spray and Snake Removal

In the YouTube video, the rattlesnake likely crawled into the pool heater seeking shelter but became trapped when it tried to exit through the small hole in the side. The homeowner was smart to call a professional, as rattlesnakes are venomous, and even smaller ones can be dangerous. They generally avoid humans, but when trapped and vulnerable, they become defensive and may rattle and attempt to strike.

The rescuer used cooking spray to help release the trapped rattlesnake. Cooking spray isn’t toxic to rattlesnakes and acts as a lubricant. This allowed the snake in the video to more easily move through the narrow opening in which it was trapped. This technique is also common for freeing snakes from glue traps, as it counteracts the adhesive. However, it is best to let a professional handle any trapped snake. Applying spray can agitate the snake, and if it perceives you or the spray can as a threat, it could strike.