Amanda Michaels posted this comprehensive information and a list of local snake wranglers on Nextdoor in May and gave us permission to print it in The Canyon Chronicle. July seems a bit late to pick up the banner but thank you, Amanda, for re-posting. A neighbor recently found and relocated four rattlesnakes on her property, two adults and two babies. Another friend’s two dogs were bitten and survived. By Amanda Michaels What Do I Do? When the most recent rattlesnake showed up on my property, I immediately called or texted the first four on my list of wranglers. Charlie came and got it from me right away. Dan offered to come later that day as soon as he was back in the canyon. (Thank you guys!) Save this list of names and numbers in your phone under “Rattlesnake Wranglers� so you can search “wrangler� or “rattlesnake� when you find a rattler and get someone to come out ASAP to relocate your awesome find. Please note that the fire department always kills the snakes. I understand that sometimes folks don’t have an option, but whenever possible, please use a wrangler. I called the fire department for the first rattlesnake I ever had in Topanga years and years ago. The snake was large and was on my deck where my kids play. I’m still not over the fact that they killed the snake. I am so grateful to our fire department for so many reasons, but it was a terrible decision to make. Back then, I didn’t know about the wranglers and I had no idea they would kill the snake. I hope this post helps others learn now what I did not know then. Remember to generously tip your wrangler. They’re doing something we aren’t able to do that benefits our ecosystem. Let’s be thankful. Please add any other wranglers you know of after verifying they still wrangle rattlers. Call the Wrangler 2023 List of Rattlesnake Wranglers in Topanga Rattlesnake Wrangler Bo, (818) 383-0476 Rattlesnake Wrangler Delmar, (310) 455-1549 Rattlesnake Wrangler Dan, (818) 730-7379 Rattlesnake Wrangler Charlie, (310) 455-3553 Rattlesnake Wrangler Victoria, (310) 384-5763 Rattlesnake Wrangler Sharon, (818) 517-0255 Rattlesnake Wrangler Susan Clark, (310) 455-7268 Rattlesnake Wrangler Steve N. (added in 2023), (424) 333-1365 Animal Capture / Wildlife Relocation (added in 2023) can also consult on and install rattlesnake fencing. animalcapturewildlifecontrol.com/snake-fencing-in-la.php; (310) 551-0901 Use Common Sense with Rattlesnakes. 1. Secure your dogs and keep your kids away. 2. Contact many wranglers (they won’t all be available). 3. Watch the snake like a hawk until the wrangler arrives or, at your discretion, trap it humanely and safely using the pole and trash bin unless you don’t feel qualified or safe. 4. Don’t bug the snake. It’s afraid of you. It cannot hear you. It’s trying to survive. Give it a wide berth and due respect. 5. Watch this video by Topanga local wrangler, Steven N, using a snake pole and a cooler to catch and relocate a huge rattler if you want to see the approach in action: https://nextdoor.com/p/FzdNtfFmHznk?utm_source=share&extras=MzA5NjEzNzc%3DPs. Prepare Each household should have: 1 LARGE PLASTIC TRASHCAN to store the snake in until the wrangler comes to get it, and 2 LONG SNAKE POLES to catch the snake (near the head) and transport it into the trash can until the wrangler arrives. SMARKEY SNAKE CATCHING TONGS (51IQXT4f1lL.AC_UL232_SR232,232): This is the snake pole I use. One is by the front gate outdoors, another is by the front door of the house as we’ve seen snakes on our stairs: Smarkey 86-inch Snake Catcher Tongs. a.co/d/iZvHCJ0. PLASTIC TRASH BIN I use to keep them in until the wrangler arrives to relocate it: Rubbermaid Commercial Products, FG263200GRAY BRUTE Heavy-Duty Trash/Garbage Can, 32 Gallon, Gray: /a.co/d/aocpzFv. Rattlesnake Avoidance Training is important for dogs and a helpful experience for us in order to recognize the signs of snakes and train our eyes to look for them. snakesafedog.com/upcoming-dates.html. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! Best Rattlesnake Avoidance Training for dogs that I know of here in Southern California/Los Angeles area: Ma n’ Paw Kennels! Phenomenal program! Zero percent traumatizing to the dogs! Highly effective! Our German shepherd learned so quickly! It takes two sessions to certify, then you should refresh your dog’s training at the start of every spring or summer. Check out their programs at: snakesafedog.com/upcoming-dates.html