Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just found a 2 and a half foot long gopher snake in a parking lot, with a couple inches of his tail amputated(ran over by a car, it looks like...no bone remaining, a little flesh)his cloaca is in tact, the bleeding has stopped, but he appeares very sluggish, he didn't try to get away, but he is still very much alive....though incredibly scared, obviously..

How can I help him? does anyone have expeirience with anything like this, and what are his chances of surviving once realised?

I live in Idaho, and I'm pretty sure its a great plains...but I don't want to bother him to look more.

It was recent, I can tell by the still open wound...I really feel horrible for this snake...any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

About all you can do is keep some triple antibiotic ointement on the wound and put him in a cage where he can hide. Make sure he has water and then just leave him alone for a few days. Don't try to feed him until he has a few days to settle down. If there is no neurological damage or damage to internal organs, he should recover.
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We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thank you so much, I'll do exactly that, and from what you say, he should make a recovery, much appreciated

Also put him on paper towel. You can probably try to find a wildlife rehibilation place and give the snake to them. Usually you can call a 24 hour emergancy vet office to get the # and most of the time you can drop him off there. They will look at it and determine if he needs medical help. Just a suggestion. =) Good luck.
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Thank you! I have him resting with some paper towels at the moment, haven't even tried to move him, or even look, I really feel horrible...it looked so painful, I'm praying the little guy pulls through.

no internal organs seem hurt, and he as full movement, and good balance, despite missing the end of his tail...I hope he was one of the lucky ones, and from what you guys are saying, it looks like he has a good chance

I've seen alot of gopher's that have been run over, and it brakes my heart every time, but this is the first I might have a chance to rehab, I'm calling him Joe, just looks like a Joe to me(lol,), so if you guys could, maybe keep him in your thoughts and/or prayers...he's the sweetest wild snake I've ever held..he didn't even hiss(wiggly though), he's a sweetheart.

I appreciate you advice, alot, thankyou...I'm starting to feel better about the poor guys chances