San Diego Resident Captured Rattlesnake Near His Dog
A City Heights man caught a 3.5-foot rattlesnake after it lunged at his pet, highlighting safety risks for local animals.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Reptiles
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A 29-year-old man in the City Heights neighborhood of San Diego captured a 3.5-foot rattlesnake on September 21, 2026, after the reptile lunged at his one-year-old pit bull. The man pinned the snake with a branch before securing it inside a plastic crate.
Why it matters
Because pets are bitten by rattlesnakes at roughly 20 times the human rate, these encounters pose a significant risk to household animals. The situation underscores the importance of professional wildlife management, as unauthorized relocation of snakes is illegal in California and often fatal for the reptiles.
Approximately 90% of venomous snakebites in California occur from April through October. Relocated reptiles face mortality rates approaching 90%.
The players
Jared Roussel
A snake wrangler who manages the professional removal and relocation of wildlife.
San Diego Humane Society
The local organization providing dispatch services for animal-related emergencies.
The details
The man managed the situation by pinning the snake with a branch before picking it up and sealing it inside a crate obtained from a local CVS. Following the capture, professional snake wrangler Jared Roussel arrived to remove the animal from the resident's possession. Unauthorized relocation of wildlife violates state law, as removing a snake from its established territory frequently leads to its death.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: The man captured the snake in City Heights.
April through October: This period accounts for 90% of venomous snakebites.
The Home Front
California state law restricts the movement of native wildlife to prevent the unintended high mortality rates associated with relocation. Residents should prioritize professional intervention over direct interaction to ensure both home safety and legal compliance.
If you encounter a rattlesnake on your property, keep pets and family members at a safe distance immediately. Contact the San Diego Humane Society dispatch at 619-299-7012 for professional assistance rather than attempting to capture or relocate the animal yourself.
The takeaway
Rattlesnake encounters are common in Southern California, and the safest path for your household is to maintain distance and call a professional. Save the San Diego Humane Society dispatch number, 619-299-7012, in your phone to ensure you can reach help quickly during an emergency.
Further reading
Learn more about managing local wildlife encounters in our Reptiles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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