WCMH (Columbus, Ohio) 07 October 13 Snake Mistakes Golf Ball For Food, OWC Says (Alex Mazer)
Blacklick, Ohio: The Ohio Wildlife Center says an Eastern Black Ratsnake is recovering after having a golf ball surgically removed from its stomach on Saturday.
According to OWC, the 30-foot snake was brought to the center on October 4 with a large, round lump in the stomach region of its body. Radiographs showed that the snake had a golf ball lodged in its stomach.
Staff members at OWC say they believe the snake may have mistaken the golf ball for an egg.
Veterinarians were able to surgically remove the Top Flight golf ball, from the snake's stomach on Saturday.
The snake is currently on pain medications while the surgery site heals. It will remain in the rehabilitation unit until the sutures can be removed and it is cleared for release.
OWC says that even if there are no complications with the snake's healing process, vets at OWC may decided the snake should not hibernate in the wild this year because it could delay his healing. It is possible the snake will need to stay at OWC during the winter to avoid complications before it can be released in its home territory in Blacklick Metro Park.
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