Water snake

[Lyn]

I'm not really a snake person but have learned to co-exist with them. I live by a lake and found a water snake in my yard. It looks as if it was chopped by something (perhaps a scared human with a shovel?) and is hiding by my koi pond in some rocks. There are flies crawling on it but it's still moving. Is there anything I could/should do for/with him?

[Albert Clark]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Can you take a picture of the injured water snake so we all can make a determination on the severity of it? In the meantime can you tell us exactly where the injury is on the snake? Bc if flies are on it then they are laying eggs inside the wound making time of the essence to get this guy the help he needs. Thanks. Also, to protect him from further injury and illness are you prepared to place him in a tub or tank that can be secured with a top or lid that locks?

[d_virginiana]

Regardless of what you ultimately decide to do, go ahead and stick him in a rubbermaid tub or something like Albert said and provide a dish of water and just some newspaper or paper towels across the bottom (injuries have a habit of sticking to bare tubs). If he's acting limp/nonresponsive, gently touch his chin to the water and see if he drinks. I've had rescues that were so bad off they wouldn't drink on their own at first. Regardless, the longer he's out there, the harder it will be to rehab him if that's what you end up wanting to try.

Also like Albert said, pics will help us give you advice.

One more thing; since it sounds like you aren't used to snakes, I'm guessing you may be hesitant about handling him into the box. If he's as badly injured as he sounds, he probably won't put up much fight, but water snakes are known for having a bit of a temper. You can wear a pair of leather work gloves or cloth gardening gloves if you're worried about getting bitten. Just grab him firmly behind the head (so he can't turn around on you) and support his body well with the other hand and lift him into the box :)

[slipknot711]

i own two water snakes. they can be rather cranky but wont do much damage. like lora said a pair of gloveds will work. gardening gloves? just keep him on something clean. and hopfully you can get us a picture to see where and how bad the damage is

[Albert Clark]

Update????? Any luck picking him up and containing him? Maybe call animal rescue if you are unable to secure him?