2 dead Eastern babies

[GranpaGarter]

Our family has been keeping a wild eastern for the past 3 weeks found in the yard. Intent is to only keep for 30-days per both State of VA law and for my son to fulfill Reptiles/Amphibians Merit Badge for Boy Scouts.


Day #30 is actually on Sunday August 23, 2015. We noticed the snake exhibiting increased activity over the past week; roaming and testing the 20 gal. High tank - presumably for an exit. I thought it may just be the "normal and assumed" nature to get back to freedom.


Suprisingly however I looked in tank about 2 hours ago and noticed 2 dead babies!


I did a decent amount of reading after capturing, and looking at various multimedia and posts here but, honestly thought we had a male; e.g., lon narrow tail but didn't try to view anal/underbelly because I didn't want the snake to get too used to being handled - keep it wild. Regardless, after this we think we should just release the snake as it appears healthy and has been eating both live toads harvested from the yard and nightcrawlers. Any thoughts...would you agree? Should it be released immediately or in the morning ok? Pics attached.