Hello Everyone! I have a few questions about my garter snake that I am hoping someone might be able to answer. My first question is: is there anyway to tell how old a snake might be. I have had my snake for about 5 years. When I found him in my friends back yard he was pretty big, but has deffiently grown over the years, so I am guessing that maybe he is between 8-10 years old. Secondly, I am asking this question because when I went to feed him today I found on the lower section of his tale a large bump in side of him, it looks like he is swollen. I really don't know what it is and I have been looking online all day for an answer, but have not come up with much. I was reading one site and it said it is very unlikely for a snake to have a tumor, but that is the only thing I can think of. And I really hope thats not what it is. (by the way i forgot to add that he did not want to eat the worm, and I tried to feed him later in the day and he still would not eat.) I had read on another site saying a snake can be constipated, but it never discussed symptoms.

Thank you and I hope someone can help!