Corn snake in yard

Oregon has 15 species of snakes. The greater Portland area does not have any rattlesnakes, and although it could be assumed that all snakes in Portland are harmless, it's always important to identify a snake before attempting to handle it. It is best to leave snakes alone as they will often move on on their own accord. However, if there is a snake problem (ex: a snake is in the home or building) and you need some assistance, we can help

Not all species of snakes behave the same. Some are extremely defensive and strike (rattle snakes will usually rattle their tail to warn intruders before delivering a painful and damaging bite). Other snakes, like the rubber boa will not bite at all. While some are active during the day, some (rubber boa, again) are nocturnal. Oregon snake diets vary depending on species and what is available: insects, grubs, baby birds and rodents, adult rodents and birds, salamanders, frogs, toads, and even other snakes.

We provide professional humane snake control, removal, relocation, and exclusion services.

Constrictors - Constrictor snakes suffocate their prey by wrapping around and squeezing the body. Then they will swallow their meal whole (often by unhinging their jaw to make more room). Rubber Boas and Gopher Snakes are the only constrictors native to the Portland area. The King Snake (known for its appetite for other snakes) is found in southern Oregon.

'Normal Snakes' - These snakes will try to bite and swallow their food (as opposed to suffocation or delivering venom). They are commonly found in dark and moist places such as under a pile of lumber, loose rocks or gardens. Garter snakes give birth to live young, unlike most other snakes that lay eggs. When the young are birthed, they are on their own, as the mother does not take care of them.

Venomous Snakes - The Western Rattlesnake is a pit viper, which means that it has two small heat sensing pits in the front of its head. These help to pin-point targets when striking. They also have a rattle at the end of their tail. When feeling threatened, a rattlesnake will usually coil up with its head raised in an 'S' position and its tail sticking up (and rattling). From this position (the "striking position"), they can lunge 1/3 of their full length to deliver a deadly bite at speeds around 75 mph. The venom of a rattle snake is hemotoxic, meaning that it attacks the blood stream. Getting bitten is often the most painful experience in a victim's life. When encountering a rattlesnake, please back away and leave it alone. An injury or death is more likely to occur when someone tries to pest or kill a rattlesnake.

• There's a snake in the home.
• There are snakes in the garden.
• Ophidiophobia – fear of snakes