In the last two years, Sun City firefighters have responded to more than 130 phone calls from residents to remove snakes from their homes and yards.
Later this month, they’ll learn proper methods to remove the reptiles.
The Phoenix Herpetological Society will teach firefighters Oct. 11-13 at the Sun City Fire Administration Building how to better prepare themselves for snake calls.
More than 75 firefighters are signed up to take the training session from the Herpetological Society and learn how to handle snake or other reptiles, some of which are venomous.
Debbie Gibson, vice president of the society, said people should understand that killing snakes or reptiles isn’t the best way to deal with the creatures. The organization will show firefighters how to safely remove them, so the animal can be returned to its habitat.
Gibson said there also will be training for removing gila monsters and desert tortoises.
“The bottom line is that it comes right down to conservation,” said Gibson. “With many homes being built out here, we’re actually encroaching into their areas.”
Homeowners put themselves at risk when trying to deal with a snake on their own property.
An estimated 80 to 90 percent of rattlesnake bites happen when homeowners take matters into their own hands, officials said.
“There is really no need to kill snakes, as long as you know what you’re doing,” Gibson said. “This is why these training sessions with the fire departments are so important.”
Sandy Young, an engineer for Sun City Fire, said phone calls for snake removals have varied throughout the years.
“It really comes and goes with the weather,” said Young, who’s received calls from residents in both Sun City and Youngtown.
Sun City Fire has removed everything from rattlesnakes and garter snakes to bull snakes and iguanas.
“We hope fire departments will practice conservation techniques and help teach the public that wildlife plays a major role in our world, and that we are encroaching on their homes,” Gibson said. “We can co-exist if we understand how… this is a win-win situation for everyone, especially the animals.”