There are two things I can think of that might cause this. One is that there may have been retained shed on the tail tip. It may have been very tough to see, being at the very tip of the tail, or at least on the last 1/8", and you may not have seen the retained shed. It can cut off circulation as the animal grows, and ultimately if left there will kill the tissue, causing it to fall off.

The other thing I can think of is trauma to the tail tip. Maybe it was caught in something and was injured so badly it was taken off.

Only your vet will know. Take the snake in. Meanwile, a neosporin type ointment can be applied, the kind without pain killer. Watch the area and make sure the animal is on clean bedding. If you use woodchips, switching to paper towels or newspaper might be a good idea until he heals. Good luck!

P.S. It isn't probably life threatining or anything . . . yet, but a vet visit is always the best.

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