Dr. Steve Barten in the Chicagoland area was given this snake who was said to have been run over by a lawnmower. After treatment, Barten gave it to the Wildlife Discovery Center where I work to see if we could put some weight on it or even determine if it was capable of eating.
The snake was emaciated with very little muscle tone, a scarred, sunken head, and a blind left eye.
Of course all we are capable of getting are rodents and birds for feeding our animals, and since H. platirhinos are notorious toad eaters I was worried we wouldn't make progress.
The first feeding I had to forcefeed the snake a crawler, just to see it's reaction. It was forced the entire way, with little enthusiasm.
The next three or four feedings, as soon as the mouse was in its mouth it ate it on its own. It seems unable to open its mouth even when it seems irritated enough to bite or willing to feed, so positioning the mouse is necessary each time. I was eventually able to bring the snake home where I've had him for about two weeks.
Today he just had his first shed with me, which I had to help him through. To my surprise, the neck and head patterns of this snake are gorgeous:
I always work with the "special needs" animals that come into the facility, and this is by far my favorite. He's incredibly sweet and very active and curious.
I will keep you up to date with his progress as he hopefully gains more weight and muscle.
- Maggie
