Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We have a black racer that everyone keeps telling me is mean. I keep telling them he's not, but he's also the first racer I've had any experience with. Are they really aggressive snakes, or can they be "tamed"? Oh, and while I'm here, he has a soft lump on his side that doesn't seem to be getting bigger, but I wouldn't swear to it. My guess is a fatty tumor, but does any one else have an opinion?

Maranda Denson
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Salato Wildlife Education Center

Racers can be tamed, their disposition also varies considerably. As for the lump, I would lance it.

We're not really a medical facility. It's not a new thing, it's been there for a few months, and it doesn't seem to bother him/her. It's not painful or anything. Actually, he seems to enjoy it when I massage it. I'm kind of afraid I'll do more harm than good. Especially as fiesty as he can get. Is that something for an amateur?

Maranda
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Salato Wildlife Education Center

If your uncomfortable with it, take him to a Vet, but insist on watching the procedure so you can see how to do it. Its really quite simple, take a sharp sterile pin and puncture the growth. squeeze it like a zit and if smelly puss comes out you have an infection. If so, squeeze it all out, depending on the consistancy you may have to open it more with a razor blade or exacto knife to get it all out. Then flush it with betadine and apply a triple antibiotic ointment or new skin. I prefer new skin or similar liquid bandages, they seem to work well with herps.

I had an eastern yellowbellied racer for a while that was one of the sweetest snakes I've ever came across. He never bit me, never crapped on me or anything like that that they normally do. He was actually pretty relaxed for a racer, he also ate really well. However, I've also had some that will just as soon look at you as try to take your face off, so it varies a lot.
Kevin

Just check out the post above, there are some pics of her. Keep in mind, like Snapping Turtles with handling (especially from young) Racers can become very handleable. Also, keep an eye on the growth, it sounds like an abcess/small infection ~ have you had her/him long? Thanx, Leo

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