Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A client of mine gave me a call a week or so ago and said he had a large Pacific Gopher Snake for me. I went over to get it in hope to just take it out and let it go but when I got there I got the rest of the story. A guy working for him found the snake with a back hoe while digging on his property. Here are a couple of pictures below. He is currently doing a whole lot better and is in line to see the vet. What do you think? Any suggestions until his vet visit? When I brought him home and gave him the once over he could only move the last first 8” or so of his body but slowly but surly he is getting full movement back. He is onry as ever but I would be to. He has yet to take any prey but I hope he will come around soon.

My Research and Collection

Sorry to see a nice snake like that injured. Hopefully, the vet can help the snake out. Looks like there's been some definite spinal trauma.

Please post an update.

That's a fantastic looking snake! You're on the right track with the vet... sooner rather than later. Snakes are great healers, which is probably why you've seen progress; however without proper treatment, the end result is often the same, just delayed. (hinting at death here).

Good luck with your rescue effort

Ian

It is a great looking snake isn’t it? Unfortunately the vet visit didn’t go to well. I am told there is not much that can be done for the snake and it will either get better or not. I was given something for the one opened wound, Basically its burn cream as far as I am concerned. I was advised that the snake would be better of joining my collection rather than being set free after recovery so that is what I am faced with now. I was planning on setting it free in the spring but who knows now. I do maintain Pacific Gopher Snakes in my collection so its not a problem keeping this one witch is what will most likely happen. I have still not been able to get it to eat but I wouldn’t want to eat if I got hit by a back hoe bucket either. So that’s the story. I will get more pictures up of the progress as soon as I can
My Research and Collection

That's the general rule; when herps are maimed for a long recovery, captivity is much safer for the individual, and the population. My one bullsnake was a neglect rescue through my herp society. It was so thin/weak it was limp when picked up. Now it's one of my most handsome snakes, a prime 7 footer

Ian

It realy is a crying shame but I guess what ever it takes to get through it. I will keep updates as often as posable and hopfully I will never have to give the final update. He has taken well so far so it looks like it will be a good recover but they can turn on a dime so we will keep our fingers crossed. I will also be constructing my new P. Gopher Snake enclosure soon so he will have a little more of a perminent home. BTW Merry Xmas everyone
My Research and Collection