Warm temperatures bring out Ariz. snakes

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 21 (UPI) -- Authorities in Arizona said the arrival of warmer weather has brought about a sharp increase in calls for snake removal.

Daniel Marchand, curator at the Phoenix Herpetological Society in Scottsdale, said the recent arrival of 80-degree and 90-degree weather has brought the snakes out from their winter hiding spots, The Arizona Republic reported Monday.

"Once the temperature hits 80 degrees, the snakes will wake up hungry, thirsty and looking for mates," Marchand said.

Scottsdale Fire Department spokeswoman Tiffani Nichols said recent weeks have seen "10 to 15 snake-removal scenarios every day."

Marchand warned residents to be particularly alert for venomous rattlesnakes. He urged anyone who spots such a reptile to keep their distance and call for help.

"The $75 fee for our service is nothing compared to average snakebite medical bills," Marchand said.