Rattlesnake Encounters Rise as Temperatures Soar on the Space Coast
As summer heat settles in over Brevard County, residents are likely to encounter some unexpected wildlife, including rattlesnakes. Just this week, neighbors in the Winterlakes community of Port St. Lucie learned this lesson the hard way. Tiffany Everett shared her alarming experience when a massive rattlesnake was spotted lounging in a palmetto bush right in a neighbor’s backyard. With the snake making itself at home, residents couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
“It’s huge, and it’s right in front of the house!” was the reaction captured on a video that has since made rounds among the community. As folks gathered, their focus shifted from shock to concern—especially for families, with children and pets possibly at risk. “I wanted to make sure my family was safe,” Tiffany emphasized, reflecting a sentiment many locals can relate to here on the Space Coast.
Seeking a solution, the neighbors reached out to Trapper Jay from Treasure Coast Wildlife Trappers. He arrived on the scene armed with expertise and caution. “First things first, you’ve got to be careful,” Jay explained. After about an hour of searching through dense vegetation, he was rewarded with a glimpse of the snake—thanks to a flicker of its tongue. The moment he captured the snake resulted in a mixture of excitement and horror, punctuated by a scream from a neighbor caught on camera.
So why are rattlesnakes more visible this time of year? Jay attributes it to the warmer temperatures, which encourage these reptiles to become more active. He advises everyone to maintain a safe distance from rattlers—they’re usually non-aggressive unless provoked. If you encounter one, your best bet is to call in the professionals rather than trying to handle it yourself.
Despite this firsthand encounter, Tiffany admitted it was her first and last close-up view of a rattlesnake. “No, I definitely don’t want to see another one,” she laughed, highlighting the blend of fear and fascination that rattlesnakes bring to our sunny properties. And as if one snake wasn’t enough, reports indicate that a second rattler has already been sighted in the area, and Trapper Jay is on standby for another rescue mission.
What do you think, Space Coast? Drop your thoughts below.