The Snake Wranglers
On call 24/7, Jim Christiansen, Steve Kelley, John Leek, and Joe Plunkett don’t jump into skintight suits emblazoned with the letter “S” when their phones ring, but they will attempt to come to the rescue of the caller as swiftly as they can.
In 2005, Jim, a professor emeritus of herpetology at Drake University, a research associate at UT, and a Sun City resident, had the idea to advertise a new service: “Will answer snake calls free, day and night.”
Jim credits the original Del Webb community design for retaining much of the area’s native wildlife, which allowed him the unique opportunity to analyze its snake population. In January, with years of significant data behind him, he will be presenting at the Texas Conservation Symposium as they focus on the impact of urbanization on wildlife.
Steve, John, and Joe signed on years ago as volunteers and joke that they had all the right qualifications: an interest in snakes, common sense, and no fear. Together, the four “snake ambassadors” remain committed to educating their neighbors and demystifying snakes.
Together, the four wranglers have handled thousands of snakes and have had their share of interesting experiences—a snake in a washing machine, a snake up their pant leg—nothing seems to surprise them, except for the call they received asking if they could rush over to get rid of an armadillo in a backyard.
THE SNAKES
Of the two venomous snakes in our area, the western diamondback rattlesnake (at left, top) is the one to watch. Because of its skittish nature, the coral snake (below) is usually not a threat unless it is handled. Surprisingly, children gravitate toward picking it up, due to its beautiful coloration.
Coral Snake 
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Though they have received 300 calls so far this year, only three snake bites have been reported in Sun City in the last nine years. The wranglers agree common sense is the key:
- Try to keep garage and exterior doors closed
- Maintain home weather stripping
- Disturb the ground with a rake or broom before gardening
- Don’t go out in the dark barefoot or in flip flops and without a flashlight
- Take notice of where you put your hands and feet
- Wear boots and long pants when hiking
AFTER A BITE
If bitten by a snake, the snake wranglers suggest victims elevate the bite site and maintain calm. Rather than driving to an emergency room, call 9-1-1. First responders will call ahead to make sure the anti-venom (also called antivenin) is available at the hospital location.
Sun City residents should also consider adding the snake wranglers’ cell phone numbers to their phone’s contact list. You can find them under “Helpful Numbers” in Sun Rays magazine.
Also, stop by Sun City’s social center monitor’s desk on Texas Drive and pick up a Snake ID Guide.