CLINICAL OVERVIEW OF SNAKES PRESENTING TO A NORTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE CLINIC: A 25-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW (1999-2023).

Abstract

Over a 25-year period (1999-2023), 152 free-ranging snakes were presented to the Turtle Rescue Team at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Snakes presented in all months of the year, with 73.7% arriving from May to September. The black rat snake (Pantherophis spp.) was the most frequent species admitted, representing 45.4% (n = 69) of the caseload, followed by black racers (Coluber constrictor; n = 29 [19.1%]) and water snakes (Nerodia spp.; n = 16, [10.5%]). Median length of stay for admitted snakes was 11 days, which increased to 18 days when snakes that were either dead or euthanized on arrival were excluded. The majority of snakes (n = 97 [69.8%]) stayed 30 days or fewer. Trauma was the most common reason for admission, and over 50% of all cases could be definitively linked to anthropogenic factors. Trauma from netting entanglement was the most prevalent presenting complaint, at 19.1% (n = 29) of the total caseload. However, snakes presenting for netting trauma were 2.6x more likely to survive when compared to all other presenting complaints. Overall, 40.1% (n = 61) snakes were released. Including one nonreleasable snake and one that escaped care, 63 (44.1%) of the 152 survived. This study provides an introductory look at the clinical overview of snakes presenting to a North Carolina wildlife rehabilitation center, and allows for a better understanding of both factors affecting these animals in the wild and the feasibility of successful rehabilitation.