western yellowbelly racer
Posted by bill glover on January 23, 2006
Q: I was digging a backhoe trench and turned up 3 western yellowbelly racer snakes from about 2+ feet in the ground. All were very sluggish. I brough them home and would like to do best for them. One was badly injured having about one third of its body severed, one showed no injury but has stopped moving, and one appears to have little to no injury and is still moving. It is winter. I think they were hybernating—??? Assumming they don't die, I will let them loose when it gets warmer. What do I do with these guys? Do I feed them if so what. Bill Glover of Worland Wyoming.
Habitat: pond/lake
State: Wyoming
Habitat: pond/lake
A: I certainly applaud your attempts to care for these animals. You're right, these snakes were hibernating. If you can keep them somewhere where they won't freeze but not too warm (mid to high 30's), they should be OK until warm weather. The injured snake will probably die but the other two, if uninjured, should make it. The secret here is to keep them close to hibernating temp. They won't need any food so don't worry about that as long as they stay cool. Very best of luck to you.
John Wiessinger ( January 24, 2006)