Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a LTC female black ratsnake from my local area. I've had her for about 2 years or so now. I really have no need to keep her, but I REFUSE to let her go back into the wild because development has swallowed the area up completely. I'd be sentencing her to death if I set her free around here.
I cant really bring myself to ship her off to anyone, so now Im left with the dilemma, what the heck do I do with her. She's a really good snake, eats well (eats TOO well) and is certainly an adult size. I take her out of the cage with a hook, and transfer her to a human part and she does great.
She's got great solid black coloration on her, with very little white showing thru.
Im in south eastern Virginia. Im pleading for ideas about what to do with her. Her safety and well being comes first, and my piece of mind that she's gonna end up doing ok follows closely behind, so.................Im all ears folks

I am from your area. What about setting her free at one of the wildlife refuges. There is Back Bay, and the Great Dismal Swamp. Your snake is native to both those areas. But you should have her checked out by a vet before turning her loose to make sure she is not a health risk to the native populations.

Rick

Most wildlife people say that if a snake has been in captivity for over a month, it shouldn't be released. Therefore yours should go to someone else that would keep it as a pet. Try to find a herp society in your area. They should be able to get you in touch of some local people that may be interested in her.
-----
alstiver@hotmail.com

3.3 adult cornsnakes
1.4.8 baby cornsnakes
8 cornsnake eggs

There are two main concerns with releasing an animal such as a snake back into the wild. The first concern is the introduction of a new illnesses or parasites into the wild population. That is why the snake should be checked by a vet and kept in quarantine for about 60 days before release.

Another concern is with introducing exotics into than area. Since the snake is originally from this area, this is not an issue.

I agree with elaphefan. Release would be fine.Even after 2 years, but I would feed her as if I were to breed, then the recommended cool down, then release in the spring after all chance of frost is gone.This way she she is not pressed for time to find adequate denning for the winter and will be ready to breed with local males. I have the same problem here in San Leon Texas.We have or should I say DID HAVE THE LARGEST POPULATION OF SPECKLED AND PRAIRIE KINGSNAKES THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN ANYWHERE, but more land gets cleared every day so the ones i do catch i have to release elsewhere. GOOD LUCK!!!

I think I'm leaning more towards the option of find someone to take it. One option would be a responsible biology teacher at a local school.

Although I don't think releasing it back to the wild would be an all around bad idea, it might be difficult for the snake at first. One thing to consider, where did you catch the snake? A black rat from Louisiana might not be able to handle the conditions that a black rat from New York is exposed to.

Personally, I would exhaust all possible options to keep it in captivity before setting it free.

Oh yes, one other thing, releasing it on a wildlife refuge is illegal. I would recommend not going that route if you plan on releasing it.

I guess I missed the fact that the snake was from the area you live in. In that case, I guess that location doesn't matter.

I still stand by captivity though unless there is just no other way.