Wild caught snake with wounds

[count dewclaw]

I caught this wild garter and noticed it is injured. The wounds look like they have been there for awhile. Should I do anything to treat the wounds at this point? What are the chances of it being able to hunt if it loses that eye? Thanks for your help.

[adamanteus]

If it survives without getting infection in the wounds, it will do fine with only one sighted eye. I would be tempted to release it without further interference.

[count dewclaw]

I was wondering if that would be best, just let nature take its course. I'll release it and let it fend for itself.

[adamanteus]

I think that might be best. To be honest, LeAnn, some of those wounds look like they might already be infected. Does the snake smell?

[count dewclaw]

No, it does not smell. I have not let it go yet, should I watch it for a few days. I have everything I need to set up a nice place for it...

[adamanteus]

It's your call, LeAnn, but if it were me I'd release it and catch myself a more perfect specimen.

[Lori P]

And I'd keep him and make sure he heals well and can eat normally... and coddle him and spoil him...

[count dewclaw]

James, I thought about that, there are some other nice snakes around...

Lori, what would you do if he doesn't heal and can't eat? I just saw it "spit up" a clear thick fluid.

[Lori P]

Uh oh. I'm not by any means an expert in treating wounds in snakes, so me personally, I'd run him to my vet-- who is only 10 minutes away and a snake guy. So I don't know how to help you to help him... :-( I would assume, keep him warm, very quiet, and decide if being in confinement has stressed him more... and if you think it has, I guess releasing him to his own environment and letting him take his chances is kinder than keeping him scared in confinement... does that ramble make any sense??

[adamanteus]

I see it this way.... we can't bring home all of nature and make it better. If we're going to go out and collect a snake to keep, I think we should be choosing healthy ones.

There's always going to be sick and injured wild animals out there, by the very nature of their illness/injury they're going to be easier to find and catch than a healthy, alert animal. Nature is indeed 'red in tooth and claw'.... and that's the way it's meant to be.

The choice..... Keep it, and blow your savings on vet bills. Or catch a good 'un!