ALEDO, TX — A North Texas homeowner discovered 20 venomous rattlesnakes sheltering beneath a home in Aledo, and wildlife control workers safely removed them. Dallas-Fort Worth Wildlife Control said the snakes were found in crevices under the house, where they had taken cover from the heat.
At a glance
- Animal: 20 venomous rattlesnakes
- Where: Under a home in Aledo, in North Texas
- When: During a summer period when snake calls were said to increase
- What happened: Wildlife workers found snakes sheltering beneath the house and captured them
- Status: All 20 were safely relocated
- Anyone hurt: No injuries were reported
What happened
Sheila Taber of Dallas-Fort Worth Wildlife Control said the snakes were coming out of small openings under the home. She described the find as unusual even for a job that regularly involves venomous snakes.
Taber captured all 20 rattlesnakes before backup arrived, according to Randall Kennedy, also with Dallas-Fort Worth Wildlife Control. Kennedy said Taber had already finished the job by the time he reached the scene.
Kennedy said the call fits a pattern his company sees in North Texas. He said snake calls rise during the hotter months, when reptiles are more active and people are more likely to encounter them around homes.
He also said animals are drawn to watered landscaping and crawl spaces, especially when homes have openings that have not been sealed. In his view, the incident showed how easily wildlife can get into vulnerable spots around a house.
About the animal
Rattlesnakes are pit vipers known for the rattle at the end of the tail, which they use as a warning signal. Depending on the species, adults can vary widely in size, but they are generally thick-bodied snakes with patterned scales that help them blend into brush, rock, and dry ground.
These snakes typically feed on small animals such as mice, rats, rabbits, and other prey they can overpower. They spend much of their time conserving energy and using cover, including rocks, brush, and sometimes crawl spaces or other shaded areas near buildings.
Rattlesnakes are found in Texas and are a familiar part of the state’s wildlife. They usually avoid people when left alone, but they can be dangerous if they are cornered, stepped on, or handled. Pets are also at risk if they investigate one at close range.
If you encounter one
If you see a rattlesnake, back away slowly and give it plenty of space. Keep children and pets away from the area, and do not try to catch, move, or kill the snake yourself.
Wildlife specialists say homeowners should seal gaps, repair openings around foundations, and reduce hiding places near the house. Limiting brush, debris, and standing water can also make a property less attractive to snakes and the small animals they hunt.
If a snake is inside or under a home, call local animal control or a licensed wildlife removal service. In many Texas communities, the state wildlife agency or local emergency non-emergency line can help direct residents to the right resource.
What happens next
Dallas-Fort Worth Wildlife Control said the 20 rattlesnakes were relocated safely after being captured. The company also urged homeowners to do exclusion work and animal-proof their houses before wildlife gets inside.
Kennedy said the busy summer season often brings more calls for rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads. For workers in the field, he said, that means more situations where quick, careful removal is needed around homes and landscaped properties.
Spotted a dangerous animal where you live? Report it to your state wildlife agency or local animal control.
