Pacific Northwest Rattlesnake

[Lupinelover]

1st of the summer in my car port.
I was so hot today…it was back in the corner on the cool concrete.
I have it in a can with some water.
Where can I re-home it?
I don’t like to kill things but it can’t live in my yard with my dogs.
TIA

[Reapward]

They say where there is one there is another...anyway if you find out where to rehome it, I'd like to know what you find out.

[JHK]

How about letting it loose up Finley Canyon just above where the road splits. I observe numerous rattlesnakes in that area when doing my bee surveys. Have no idea if a new snake could find the local over wintering sites or not.

[RandySea]

Rattlesnakes seem pretty happy on the Golden Doe, entrance 6 miles south of Twisp on the Twisp-Carlton Rd.

[farm108]

Please contact John Rohrer, snake expert. He believes relocated rattlesnakes aren't able to survive most of the time due to various factors and he might have suggestions. You could find his number through the Methow Conservancy, or the MV Interpretive Center or maybe even the vet offices in the valley. Sorry I don't have his number handy.

[Tayberry]

You need a permit. Huge fine. Read the state rules.

[RandySea]

Good info from farm108 and tayberry. Thank you.

Not that I'd ever want to get near enough to a rattlesnake to try to capture it for relocation.

[Reapward]

Washington state law protects all snakes, including rattlesnakes, meaning they cannot be killed or captured without a permit, except under specific circumstances like when a snake poses an immediate threat to humans or pets.
This could be a specific immediate threat to the dogs.

Another site:
In Washington state, relocating a rattlesnake is generally discouraged and can be harmful to the snake. Rattlesnakes have strong homing instincts and relocating them, especially over long distances, can lead to death or injury as they struggle to find suitable habitat and food. If a rattlesnake is in a location where it poses an immediate threat, it's recommended to contact local animal control or the fire department for assistance, rather than attempting to relocate it yourself, according to the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society

Maybe contact WDFW, since we don't have animal control and now is not the time to contact the fire dept. given it is a Red Flag day.
In the meantime, how is the snake doing in the can?

[rcas]

I recommend you let the rattlesnake go nearby where you captured it. The rattlesnakes in the valley tend to be very docile. If you pay attention to where you are walking and putting your hands to avoid stepping on or touching them, you should be just fine. I'm around them a lot and they never bother me, but I've learned to pay attention and I no longer walk in talk grass or in areas that I might accidentally step on one. They don't want an encounter with you any more than you want with them. Living in harmony is possible!

[Lupinelover]

Living in harmony with all the creatures around us is fine. Living with a rattlesnake in your carport is just not possible. Quite a few useless comments. Most people that I talk to about rattlesnakes ALL say they just kill them. Bring the topic up next time you are with a group of people. Not townies. Rural people. They will all say the same thing. Shovel behind the head.