During the winter the center receives both reptiles and amphibians that end up spending the winter at the center until spring when warmer weather arrives. This winter we received a Common Garter Snake that had a tail injury. It was found on someone’s driveway, probably trying to bask in the sun to stay warm, when they noticed the injury on the tail. One of our volunteer vets took a look at him and decided the dead tissue should be removed with surgery to allow for proper healing to avoid any infections.
Last week Thursday, February 2nd the Garter Snake had its surgery to remove the infected area of its tail. The surgery was a success! It took under a hour to complete surgery and see healthy tissue under all the infected tissue. Since snakes have such a slow metabolism, a snake its size only eats once or twice a week! The Common Garter Snake already got his post-surgery meal and ate every last worm. We will continue to monitor the snake through the rest of winter as we prepare him for release this spring.
Guest Blogger M.F.
Surgery, after care, and food aren't free; want to help this little guy out?
Consider making a donation to cover some of his medical costs.
Growing up in Central IL, I used to see a lot of Garter Snakes and Eastern Fox Snakes in my yard. I've been disappointed that I've not seen any snakes in yard in WI. What's the deal?
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