Banded Water Snake Recovers After Being Stuck In Fence
By: Joanna Fitzgerald, Director of von Arx Wildlife Hospital
A banded water snake was rescued from a fenced area at Humane Society Naples by Gaylene Vasaturo who volunteers there and at the von Arx Wildlife Hospital. Humane Society Naples staff had noticed the snake and pushed the snake through the fence to ensure the animals at Humane Society Naples would not come in contact with the snake. Gaylene recognized that the snake was not well and needed help so she called the wildlife hospital for assistance.
After texting a photo to hospital staff, it was determined the snake was a non-venomous banded water snake. Gaylene was just barely able to reach the snake and carefully pull it back through the fence. Once the snake was contained in a box she brought the snake to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital for care.
A physical exam showed that the snake was dull, slightly thin, and fairly unresponsive. There was blood on the snake’s head and the snake showed signs of head trauma. The snake was placed in a mesh reptarium with a shallow dish of water and an additional source of heat within the reptile room at the Wildlife Hospital.
Initial treatment included daily soaks in a shallow tub of water and rest. The majority of the time the snake needed the additional warmth and chose to lie on the heat source in the reptarium. The second day at the hospital the snake was more responsive and balled up in the corner of her cage when staff approached. On day three the snake shed and was consistently seen resting on a branch. The snake is now eating one small fish a day and has been exhibiting more natural behavior when handled.
We are incredibly thankful when anyone is caring enough to help a snake. Too often snakes are feared and intentionally killed. Snakes are a vital part of a healthy ecosystem and a natural form of pest control — common food items for snakes include insects and rodents.
Please keep in mind that the wildlife hospital accepts injured and ill native snakes. Snakes deserve the same care and consideration as any other living creature admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital.
Recent Releases
An anhinga, a common grackle, two eastern cottontails, a red-shouldered hawk, a Florida red-bellied turtle, a ruddy turnstone, a red knot, an ovenbird, a black-bellied plover, two double-crested cormorants, two mourning doves, five raccoons and a striped mud turtle were released this past week.
Opportunities to Help
If you are returning to Naples this season, please visit the Conservancy website at www.conservancy.org to view all of the amazing volunteer opportunities at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. There are many areas at the Conservancy that rely on volunteers, especially at the von Arx Wildlife Hospital. Your volunteer time is vital in helping us continue our work to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future.
