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While leaving Wet Virginia for Kentucky yesterday, I came across this Black Rat on the highway in Fort Gay, WV. I thought: "Great - some SOBs killed another one! How many does this make today?"

So I stopped to get it off the road and take a pic, just for documentation's sake. Thought: "My, it really doesn't look that bad - waht a shame." So I picked up the DOR to set it on the shoulder for a pic. Its tail curled around my finger? Ahhh - probably just a reflex.

Put it down stretched out with my cigarette box for scale (3 5/8 inches). !!!What is this? A tounge flick!? Maybe its not so DOR after all!!! Oh-oh, coughed up a little blood - its hurt! But...its ALIVE!!!

Well now this is a different story - can't just leave it here to die. Break out the emergency t-shirt snake bag! Now its a Rescue!

185 miles and 32 hours later, its still alive, showing sings of alertness and moving about. No more blood. No obvious signs of injury. Sort of groggy, but watches me move about, and even gives a tail buzz!

So, if its still alive tomorrow, its off to the vet!

Wish us luck!

John D

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I am so not lesdysxic!

0.1 Creamsicle Cornsake "Yolanda"
1.0 Bairds Ratsnake "Steely Dan"
0.1 Desert Kingsnake "FATTY"

Very nice rescue John. For a West va. specimen, I thought he looked more typical of a Ky. black rat, and now that I looked up the locality you found him at, I see it was right at the Ky/Wv border.
Back in May, I had the privilege of herping with some of the Ky. guys that post on here, and I really do love those brown and yellow patterned black rats you find throughout Ky. Beautiful obsoleta that are very different then what I typically find here in Va. (near to solid black) Good luck with him, and if he does well, keep us updated with pics.

Steve

Thanks Steve,

I hope she makes it too (at least I think its a she). A very handsome gal. She's already figured out what the hide box is for! I will keep y'all (or is it "y'uns" ?) posted.

John D
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I am so not lesdysxic!

0.1 Creamsicle Cornsake "Yolanda"
1.0 Bairds Ratsnake "Steely Dan"
0.1 Desert Kingsnake "FATTY"

>>Thanks Steve,
>>
>>I hope she makes it too (at least I think its a she). A very handsome gal. She's already figured out what the hide box is for! I will keep y'all (or is it "y'uns" ?) posted.
>>
>>John D
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>>I am so not lesdysxic!
>>
>>0.1 Creamsicle Cornsake "Yolanda"
>>1.0 Bairds Ratsnake "Steely Dan"
>>0.1 Desert Kingsnake "FATTY"

Nice save. Most WVa black rats are of the brown coloring variations than Virginia`s much blacker variety. I would also agree it`s a female. Tale is to short and stubby.
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Like I said; I`m Gonna Getcha Good!