Snakes in the pool toys? It’s a possibility

Buckeye Fire Department raising awareness of potential concern

This might just be the stuff of nightmares. A family in Buckeye left some pool noodles next to a cinderblock wall. When they returned to the pool with the noodles, out popped a rattlesnake.

The city of Buckeye Fire Department shared the story on Facebook, and noted “The snake did not attack, but was concerned about the pool noodles as there were a couple of young rattlesnakes who were still inside the pool noodle.” YIKES. The report brings up an interesting point.

Pool noodles — or really, any toy or towel left by the pool — make great spaces for desert critters to hide out and beat the heat.

It is not out of the realm of possibility for a snake to take refuge in the shade of a pool floatie, or a spider to take a spin in the corner of a patio chair. Some critters are more dangerous than others — scorpions and rattlesnakes pose a bigger threat than, say, a few wayward crickets or lizards.

But the point is, one needs to pay attention to one’s environment, and take appropriate precautions.

If one has pool toys, put them in the garage at the end of the day, or invest in an outdoor storage box. Such a move has multiple benefits — it keeps the toys critter-free, and it reduces the wear and tear from the hot desert sunshine on said toys. After all, it doesn’t take long for the sun to destroy one of those pool noodles.

And if one should find a snake in the pool toys or in the yard, the Buckeye Fire Department recommends staying calm and giving the snake as much space as possible. BFD says to stay still, and chances are, the snake will slither away. Or call the experts at the Yuma Fire Department, and have the snake removed.

One generally does not look at pool toys with this type of danger in mind, but now that one gives it some thought, it is possible for said toys to be possible hangout zones for critters.

Now that the Buckeye Fire Department has put that on our radars, take a few moments to store those toys, and give them a quick look-over before putting them in the pool.