Hi. First of all let me start by saying that I hope I dont upset anyone with this post. I am seeking understanding and cannot find the answers I seek ...so I came here.I hope someone can help me find the answers I search for.
I am not a snake fancier, well until today I suppose. I have never had one as a pet. My encounter with a garter snake was accidental and has been an unpleasant experience.
Today while working outdoors I struck a garter snake with a weed whipper. The injury was quite bad so in an effort to end its suffering I cut the head off. I was amazed that the head tried to bite me even an hour after being cut from the body. I was shocked that the body continued to move about with no head.
The body is in 3 segments... a head, a 4 inch section that is opened showing the heart, and the remaining foot and a half of the body.
It is now 7 hours since the accident and the head is now dead however the heart still beats in the small section and the large body section is still alive. I dont mean little spazms...I mean alive. It responds to my touch and hides when handled. It is slow but deliberate.
I am in absolute awe...and kinda freaked out to be honest.
How can the heart beat with no brain and how can the body move with no brain or heart to keep it alive and give it signals?
I am sickened thinking that this thing has been in agony for 7 hours and I am not sure how to kill it and end this pain.
Why is it still alive? How is this possible?
Im not exaggerating here..it has been 7 hours this poor thing has been on my deck. Each time I check on it I find it in a different position and it tries to evade me. It even swells showing the white spots on the sides and once raised its stump as if to threaten me.
Can anyone provide me with the answers?

Thanks in advance.

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