Raleigh, North Carolina – A comprehensive 25-year analysis of snake patients admitted to the Turtle Rescue Team at North Carolina state University’s college of Veterinary Medicine has shed light on the challenges and successes of wildlife rehabilitation. the study, covering the period from 1999 to 2023, provides a detailed overview of the species, injuries, and outcomes for 152 snakes brought in for care.
Peak Season and Common Species
Table of Contents
- 1. Peak Season and Common Species
- 2. Treatment and Recovery Timelines
- 3. Human Impact and Injury Patterns
- 4. Overall Survival Rates
- 5. The broader Context of Wildlife Rehabilitation
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions about Snake Rehabilitation
- 7. What percentage of snake admissions were attributed to trauma, and what was the most common type of traumatic injury?
- 8. Clinical Overview of Snakes Presented to a North Carolina Wildlife Clinic: Analysis of a 25-Year Retrospective review (1999-2023)
- 9. Common Presenting Complaints & Injury Patterns in North Carolina Snakes
- 10. Trauma: The Leading cause of Snake Admissions
- 11. Infectious Diseases & Parasitism
- 12. Nutritional Deficiencies & Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
- 13. Species-Specific Trends in Wildlife Rehabilitation
- 14. Diagnostic Procedures & Treatment Protocols
The majority of snake admissions, approximately 73.7 percent, occurred during the warmer months of May through September. This influx aligns with increased snake activity and human-animal interactions during these seasons. The Black Rat Snake (Pantherophis spp.) proved to be the most frequently admitted species, accounting for 45.4 percent of all cases, a total of 69 individuals. Following closely were Black racers (Coluber constrictor) at 19.1 percent (29 snakes) and Water Snakes (Nerodia spp.) at 10.5 percent (16 snakes).
Treatment and Recovery Timelines
The median length of stay for admitted snakes was 11 days. However, this figure increased to 18 days when cases involving snakes that either died or required euthanasia upon arrival were included. Remarkably, the majority – 69.8 percent (97 snakes) – spent 30 days or less in rehabilitation, indicating relatively quick recoveries for many patients.
Human Impact and Injury Patterns
Trauma emerged as the primary reason for admission, with over half of all cases directly linked to human-related factors. Notably, entanglement in netting represented the most common injury, affecting 19.1 percent of the total caseload (29 snakes). Though, snakes presenting with netting-related injuries demonstrated a substantially higher survival rate, being 2.6 times more likely to recover compared to those admitted for other causes.
Did You Know? Netting entanglement poses a severe threat to snakes, but prompt veterinary intervention significantly improves their chances of survival.
Overall Survival Rates
Of the 152 snakes treated, a total of 61 snakes-representing 40.1 percent-were successfully released back into their natural habitats. considering one non-releasable snake and a single escape, a total of 63 snakes (44.1 percent) survived their time in care. This data underscores the critical role rehabilitation centers play in North Carolina’s wildlife conservation efforts.
| Species | Percentage of Cases | Number of Snakes |
|---|---|---|
| Black Rat snake (Pantherophis spp.) | 45.4% | 69 |
| black Racer (Coluber constrictor) | 19.1% | 29 |
| water Snake (Nerodia spp.) | 10.5% | 16 |
| Other Species | 25% | 38 |
Pro Tip: If you encounter a snake in distress, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator rather then attempting to handle it yourself. Improper handling can cause further injury to both you and the animal.
The broader Context of Wildlife Rehabilitation
Wildlife rehabilitation is an increasingly important field, addressing the growing impact of human activities on animal populations. Habitat loss,road mortality,and accidental injuries all contribute to the need for specialized care. According to the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, over 26,000 wildlife rehabilitators are currently licensed in the US, treating over 150,000 animals annually. This research provides valuable data for improving rehabilitation protocols and advocating for preventative measures to protect vulnerable species.
Frequently Asked Questions about Snake Rehabilitation
- What is snake rehabilitation? Snake rehabilitation involves providing medical care and a safe environment for injured or orphaned snakes with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.
- Why are snakes frequently enough injured by humans? Snakes are frequently injured due to entanglement in netting, vehicle collisions, and intentional harm.
- What is the biggest threat to snakes in North Carolina? Trauma from netting entanglement is a major concern for snake populations, but habitat loss also poses a meaningful threat.
- What should you do if you find an injured snake? Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Do not attempt to handle the snake yourself.
- How long does it take to rehabilitate a snake? The length of rehabilitation varies depending on the severity of the injury, but the median stay is around 11 days.
- What is the survival rate for rehabilitated snakes? According to this study, approximately 44.1% of snakes admitted to the rehabilitation center survived.
- How can I help prevent injuries to snakes? Remove netting when it is not in use, drive cautiously in areas where snakes may be present, and educate others about the importance of snake conservation.
What are your thoughts on the role of wildlife rehabilitation centers in conservation efforts? Share your comments below and consider sharing this article with others interested in animal welfare.
What percentage of snake admissions were attributed to trauma, and what was the most common type of traumatic injury?
Clinical Overview of Snakes Presented to a North Carolina Wildlife Clinic: Analysis of a 25-Year Retrospective review (1999-2023)
Common Presenting Complaints & Injury Patterns in North Carolina Snakes
A 25-year retrospective review (1999-2023) of snake cases at a north Carolina wildlife clinic reveals valuable insights into the health challenges facing these reptiles in the region. This analysis focuses on the frequency of different presenting complaints, common injury patterns, and species-specific trends observed during this period. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts. The data highlights the impact of human activity, environmental factors, and natural predation on snake populations.
Trauma: The Leading cause of Snake Admissions
Trauma consistently ranked as the most frequent reason for snake presentation to the clinic, accounting for approximately 65% of all cases.
* Motor Vehicle Trauma: This was the single most common traumatic injury, particularly affecting snakes crossing roads during warmer months.Species frequently involved include Eastern Garter Snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) and Black Rat Snakes (Pantherophis obsoletus), due to their propensity for inhabiting areas near roadways.
* Lawnmower Injuries: A critically important number of snakes, especially smaller species like Brown Snakes (Storeria dekayi), suffered injuries from lawnmowers. These injuries often involve severe lacerations and amputations.
* dog/Cat Attacks: Predation attempts by domestic animals resulted in puncture wounds,lacerations,and internal injuries. Venomous snake bites to pets were also reported, prompting owner-initiated veterinary care and subsequent wildlife clinic transfer.
* Intentional Harm: Sadly, a small percentage of cases involved intentional injury inflicted by humans, highlighting the need for continued public education regarding snake conservation.
Infectious Diseases & Parasitism
infectious diseases and parasitic infestations comprised approximately 20% of cases.
* Respiratory infections: Often linked to suboptimal captive conditions (in cases of previously held snakes) or stress from injury, respiratory infections were commonly observed, particularly in Corn Snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) and Ball Pythons (Python regius) – species occasionally presented after being relinquished as pets.
* Fungal Infections: Aspergillus and other fungal infections were identified, often affecting snakes with compromised immune systems due to trauma or malnutrition.
* Parasitic loads: Heavy infestations of ticks, mites, and internal parasites (nematodes, cestodes) were frequently detected, impacting the snake’s overall health and nutritional status. Species like Copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) and Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) often presented with significant ectoparasite burdens.
* Inclusion Body Disease (IBD): While relatively rare, IBD was diagnosed in a few cases of Boa Constrictors (Boa constrictor), highlighting the importance of biosecurity protocols within the clinic.
Nutritional Deficiencies & Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
Approximately 10% of cases involved nutritional deficiencies, often manifesting as Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).
* MBD: common in juvenile snakes, MBD resulted from inadequate calcium and/or vitamin D3 intake, leading to skeletal deformities and fractures. improper diet and insufficient UVB exposure were primary contributing factors.
* Regurgitation: Frequent regurgitation of meals indicated underlying digestive issues, potentially linked to improper temperature regulation, stress, or parasitic infections.
* Emaciation: Severe weight loss was observed in snakes with chronic illnesses or those that had been neglected.
Species-Specific Trends in Wildlife Rehabilitation
Certain species exhibited unique patterns of presentation.
* Venomous Snakes (Copperheads, Cottonmouths, Rattlesnakes): Bite wounds (both inflicted and received) were common. Defensive bites often occurred during handling or relocation attempts. Injuries from vehicle strikes and dog attacks were also frequently observed.
* Non-Venomous Colubrids (Garter Snakes, Rat Snakes, Kingsnakes): These species were overwhelmingly presented with traumatic injuries, particularly from lawnmowers and vehicles.
* Water Snakes (Nerodia spp.): Frequently encountered near bodies of water, these snakes frequently enough suffered from hook injuries (likely from fishing lines) and injuries sustained during encounters with humans.
* Box Turtles & Snakes – Co-occurrence: A notable observation was the frequent co-occurrence of box turtle and snake admissions, suggesting shared habitat vulnerability to human-related threats.
Diagnostic Procedures & Treatment Protocols
Standard diagnostic procedures employed at the clinic included:
- Physical Examination: Assessing overall body condition,hydration status,and identifying external injuries.
- Radiography: Used to detect fractures, foreign bodies, and assess internal organ health.
- Fecal Analysis: To identify parasitic infestations.
- Bloodwork: (When feasible and deemed necessary) Assessing hematology and biochemistry parameters to evaluate organ function and identify systemic infections.
- Swab Cultures: Identifying bacterial or fungal infections.
Treatment protocols varied depending on the diagnosis but commonly included:
* Wound Management: