Reptile & Amphibian Forums

my friend and i caught a Mole King last year late in the summer. i still have him but am planning on releasing him soon. he never would eat anything for me until recently when i caught a Ground Skink and a few Five-lined Skinks which he devoured. he did have a case of mites over the winter, but seems to be okay now. my question is this: what would be a suitable spot to release him? i kind of have an idea, but i know it shouldn't be where we found him which was at the end of someone's driveway almost in the street! i've found Mole Kings in grassy areas under roofing tin before. would that be better, or a spot where there are plenty of lizards like wood piles and timber lots with sawdust mounds? thanks for any advice!

greg

First let me say you're a fortunate person to live where L calligaster rhombaculata ( spelled wrong) live. My guess would be not to release it as it has been in you collection over a yr. & might now harbor some domestic organism, if you have other herps, that may be detrimental to the wild population. However if you must release it the find a park or somewhere with little human activity & or lots of potential prey. Man I love those snakes.

Releasing a snake ie always a big gamble for sure. I'm not sure too many make it when they are displaced. Heck, for that matter relocating a snake may not even be LEGAL where you are.(?) I guess, if you must, then try and find somewhere close to the area where he eas found that has the requirements like food and shelter, that he'll need.
:Mark