Handler Frees Rattlesnake Stuck in Glue Trap
A New Mexico snake handler spent 26 minutes freeing a rattlesnake that had been caught by its bottom jaw.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Reptiles
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Kimberly Paws, a venomous-snake handler, freed a rattlesnake caught by its bottom jaw in a glue trap in New Mexico. The rescue took 26 minutes, with Paws using tweezers to loosen the adhesive.
Why it matters
The rescue shows how a careful, patient approach can keep a wild animal from serious injury when it becomes stuck in a trap. Handlers in New Mexico and across the Southwest often encounter rattlesnakes near homes and outbuildings.
The rescue took 26 minutes and involved tweezers to loosen the glue trap's adhesive. Paws reported some scale damage but believed the main skin layer stayed intact, and the snake's long-term health remains unconfirmed.
The players
Kimberly Paws
Kimberly Paws is a 37-year-old venomous-snake handler, animal trainer, and dog groomer who performed the rescue.
The details
Paws used a transparent restraint tube to hold part of the rattlesnake's body steady while removing it from the trap. Paws planned to keep the snake under observation for several days before deciding on release, with the choice depending on its health.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: Article published about the New Mexico rattlesnake rescue.
Seasonal Patterns
Rattlesnake encounters in New Mexico often rise as the weather warms and snakes move through residential areas, so rescues like this one reflect a recurring seasonal pattern rather than an isolated incident. Documented handling of snakes caught in glue traps remains uncommon compared with the more frequent cases involving mechanical traps.
Residents in New Mexico who find rattlesnakes near their homes can take the same basic steps of keeping a safe distance and calling a trained handler rather than attempting removal themselves. Glue traps used for rodent control can also trap reptiles, so placing them away from pet and wildlife areas reduces the chance of similar incidents.
The takeaway
A careful, patient approach can free a trapped rattlesnake without serious harm, and checking glue traps regularly helps prevent these situations.
Further reading
For more on how handlers care for reptiles, browse the Reptiles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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