I just killed a snake.

[Didymus20X6]

This morning, I was scouting out the yard for snakes. I spotted one over by my neighbor's house.

But when I got near it, it wasn't moving. I almost thought it was dead. But when I went to pick it up, it started squirming and striking.

I took the poor girl over to my driveway to get a better look at it. There looked to be some bad injuries around the middle of her back, and she wasn't able to move that part of her body. The upper half seemed quite mobile, though.

But after a lot of consideration - and not a small amount of hesitation - I finally decided that there was only one humane thing to do: to end her life.

I contemplated a couple of ways to end it as quickly and as painlessly as possible, and remembering something aSnakeLovingBabe posted long ago, I finally took a brick. She dodged my first strike. I finally struck her on the head, and after a few seconds, she stopped struggling.

I don't feel good about this catch at all, but at least I'm glad that I was able to end her suffering. Although I'm no expert, I seriously doubt she would have survived for long with her injuries.

[chris-uk]

Sounds like the only humane decision. If she hadn't died of her existing injuries she would have been a sitting duck for predators.
Still, it can't feel good making the decision.

[Sonya610]

You euthanized out of love. Hope that is what she would have wanted.

[guidofatherof5]

Been there. Not a good feeling since life is so valuable but you did the right thing.

[Didymus20X6]

Thanks, guys. In my mind, I know I did what was best for the snake. But I still feel bad about it. As Steve says, life is valuable. But if the snake was going to die anyway, at least it should be quick.

On the plus side, I've already caught eight others alive, and have released seven of them in the woods so far this year. The other is living in Little Dude's tank right now. I call her Piggy, because, when I first caught her, she was constantly eating. Fish, nightcrawlers - she didn't care, as long as she could gulp it down and it didn't eat her first.

[mike_panic]

What about taking it to a vet and letting a qualified professional decide what the best course of a action is? If it were a dog would you have picked up a brick and smash his or her head in like you did to the snake? I doubt it. Reptiles have an amazing ability to heal. Sounds to me like you made the absolute wrong decision. Now go ahead and kill me folks but I call it how I see it.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

I actually just had to do this the other day. My neighbor came to me with a dekays snake that was badly injured, he hit her while mowing the lawn and felt bad (he didn't see her). She was really gashed up, missing the last third of her body and cut up but probably would have lived like that for at least a day. So I too had to do the same... And I still employ the brick method. I lay the brick on my driveway and then place the snakes head under the edge of it, and then I stomp on the brick. That way, there is no accidental missing or hitting the snake only halfway and injuring it more. It's about the quickest way to ensure instant brain destruction which is the only way to end suffering. I have been thinking about it all week... It eats at me every time I have to do it. But I know that her fate was sealed and that in all reality it was only a matter of time, and I shortened how long she had to suffer.

[Sonya610]

What about taking it to a vet and letting a qualified professional decide what the best course of a action is? If it were a dog would you have picked up a brick and smash his or her head in like you did to the snake?

Dude...reptiles need quick and sudden instant brain death. They are not candidates for the "needle" type of euthanasia that works for mammals (humans/dogs/cats etc....).

Death happens.

[mike_panic]

Dude...reptiles need quick and sudden instant brain death. They are not candidates for the "needle" type of euthanasia that works for mammals (humans/dogs/cats etc....).

Death happens.

Dude, that snake didn't die, it was killed. Ever hear of a wildlife rehab center dude? How would that person or yourself for that matter, know that the snake wasn't able to be saved? Huh dude? Or are snakes just lesser animals that do not deserve good quality medical care?

[guidofatherof5]

I don't think he posted here to be judged. None of us were there. Only he knows the situation first hand. I don't think any of us want to do this kind of chore but it has to be done under certain circumstances.
I'm not a Vet. but feel I have the commonsense to know when an animal has sustained a fatal injury.
I'm certainly not trying to start an argument but your statement was very judgmental.