Yavapai County Search and Rescue officials say a real-world test came fast for one of its K9 teams — just one day after completing rattlesnake aversion training.
On April 3rd, K9 Asher and handler Haley Williams completed Asher’s first-ever rattlesnake aversion course. The very next day, the team was on a training mission at the Granite Dells in Prescott when Asher suddenly stopped and tilted his head toward a large rock.
Williams recognized the behavior change and recalled Asher to safety. After confirming the area was clear, she conducted a closer check and heard a rattlesnake’s rattle — locating the snake hiding beneath the rock.
The team marked the snake’s location on their training map, alerted the rest of the unit, and found an alternate route back to base. No one was bitten.
Search and rescue officials say the incident underscores the value of rattlesnake aversion training for working K9s.