Found sluggish baby at work.

[CoffeeBlack]

Afternoon all. I found this pretty young thing on the drain grate in the wash bay of the tractor trailer dealership i work at. He/She was extremely cold and sluggish (but not so sluggish to keep from musking!) I decided on bringing home. I washed out an old critter keeper and used paper pellets ( we use them for the python, the rabbit, cat litter its great!) Seems far less sluggish now. My question is should i attempt a release now or in the spring? I may not be able to let go in the spring haha. My feeling is that it its too late in the year for a reasonable expectation of survival. Should have been underground by now. I think those couple of freaky 70 degree days brought her out. No idea where she came from. The shop is a ways from any water and i can't see much food around the concrete and blacktop where i work. Opinions?

[guidofatherof5]

Great save. Keep it until Spring as this snake will have little time to learn the area you release it in and find a place to brumate.
Good looking little Eastern.

[CoffeeBlack]

That was my thinking. There is really great bronze coloration down the sides. I'd get better pics but he/she is stressed enough without being yanked out for a photo shoot. Think i should try feeding soon or at all? I've got some silversides and could get some night crawlers. Or should I brumate to keep things natural for a spring release?

[d_virginiana]

Glad you found him/her! I agree with Steve, keep until spring. It's already cold enough I probably wouldn't release one where I live and I'm way further south than you.

Hm... I wouldn't brumate. It shouldn't affect the snake's ability to brumate in the wild if you release it, and being active/eating all winter will give it a better chance to grow and be larger and healthier for the release (or if you're keeping it as a pet, there's no reason to brumate unless you just feel like it). Plus, with wild ones you never know if they've got some sort of parasite or health problem that might make brumation more dangerous.

As far as feeding, you can probably wait till it's up to correct temperature for a few days to a week before offering. I mean, I see no harm in offering food now if you want to, but between getting too cold and being in a new place I doubt it'd take the food right away. Just try everything to see what it'll take. They can be picky.

[CoffeeBlack]

Thanks for the kind words and sage advice. Waiting until this weekend for a feeding attempt. Interim name is Wash owing to being a Firefly fan and the fact he/she was found in the wash bay haha.

[snakegirl909]

Cute little guy. Keep us updated on how he does

[boyer45]

Love the colors!!

[snakelegs]

I think u should give it to me. Jk lol

[snakelegs]

I also found a juvenile garter in some leaves along the railroad tracks. It was on the scrawny side and didnt appear to be able to survive a hibernation. It was about a week ago i found it. I havent been able to get it to eat anything. I tried pinky mice, worms, and small feeder fish. The night before last i tried a feeder fish again. The next day the fish was gone so i put in a few more. I'm hoping he (looks like a male) ate them.

[snakelegs]

I was just out looking for worms about two hours ago and if i would have taken another step i would have crushed a small garter snake. Not sure what sex it is didnt really get a good look at it cause it was too skittish. I'm hoping this one will eat. I cant believe i found another one. Its also scrawny looking.