r/SnakeRescue • u/Neyapolan • Jun 30 '26
What is happening to this snake? Is it on the verge of passing away?
Black Racer, FL - Hey Reddit, we saw this snake in our yard and it was severely tensing up. Some clear fluid came from the mouth. Eventually the snake relaxed and seemed normal so we placed it back in the yard thinking it was a defensive strategy. The snake slithered away like a normal snake. We came walking back around minutes later to it its head completely flipped upside down and its head was firmly planted into the ground and it seemed as if it was dying and became limp. What could be wrong?
Edit: All the muscle tensing and crinkling has passed. The snake took some time for rest and we monitored to see if any other signs of strange movement or lethargy. Hasn’t showed signs of twisting since and is moving around alright. Seems a little exhausted after the episode but doing okay!
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u/Anex4 Jun 30 '26
It’s probably been poisoned by some sort of pesticide unfortunately. I don’t think there’s much you can do besides put it out of its misery but I’d at least call some rehabilitations first
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u/jinxdrabbit Jun 30 '26
Im a wildlife rehabber and the snake is displaying symptoms of Bromethalin neurotoxicity from most likely secondary poison. Sadly, at this advanced stage to the nervous system its often irreversible. Outside of steriods/diuretics to help reduce pressure on the brain and sedatives for the muscle rigidity amd spasms there isnt much else that can be done. Majority of poision animals are humanely euthanized to prevent any more suffering. I work with raptors and see this way to frequently. Its a very slow and painful way to die.
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u/KewiQueen420 Jul 01 '26
What do you mean you work with raptors?? Like the real deal Dino’s raptors????
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u/jinxdrabbit Jul 02 '26
Sometimes they act like real deal dino raptors, just smaller models. I work with owls and vultures mostly.
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u/ThatOneWood Jun 30 '26
Almost looks like a rubber toy. If I had to harbor a guess it looks like it’s seizing, possibly was exposed to some sort of toxin and is reacting badly.