Although considered a safer alternative to poisons, rodent "glue boards" can also trap those animals that feed primarily upon rodents. It is true that these types of traps are safer than poisons and chemicals, however, it is not a painless nor quick death. Animals caught in this manner meet thier demise through dehydration and starvation.
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Close examination shows that this snake had become "stuck" in two different places; in the upper-middle of his body, and his lower half, including his tail. |
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Brown paper towels were placed on the exposed area(s) of the glue board to prevent any further contact to the glue by the snake. |
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Close-up showing the lower portion of the body and tail firmly affixed to the glue board. |
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The animal is brought inside, and preparations are made to remove him from the glue board. As with any animal that is trapped or injured, thier high levels of stress have to be taken into consideration. In the case of this snake, his head and neck were free…as with any animal bites are a concern. Great care and slow movements are a must when working around animals in these types of situations. |
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A simple combination of tepid water and dishwashing soap is prepared to soften the glue. |
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The snake is soaked just long enough to soften the glue and cardboard backing. |
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Although the water and soap softens the glue, removing the animal is a long and tedious process. When seperating the snake from the glue board, care has to be given so that scales are not pulled off in the process. |
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Bubbles, bubbles everywhere! It would have been impossible to convince this guy that we were trying to help him at this particular point. Although he never became aggressive, he wasn't quite willing to "sit & stay" neither. |
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A look at the glue board once it had been removed. |
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Although freed from the glue board, additional soaking and gentle massaging is required to remove residual glue that is still adhered to the snake. |
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Once all traces of glue are removed, the snake is rinsed off, then soaked in clean, fresh water to remove any soap residue. |
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Looking much better than he was a few hours ago.
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This Gopher Snake was in extremely good health. He measured
approximately 43 inches, and weighed close to 680 grams (1.5 lbs.)
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This lucky Gopher Snake got a second chance, and to help increase its chances of survival, he was released in a local wildlife area that will provide adequate undergrowth, water, and food items. This location is far from traveld roads, and has very little human impact.
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Native habitat far from human encroachment is where
this Gopher Snake will call home.
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With a gentle nudge he makes his way to the underbrush.
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A final glance.
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A special thanks to my wife Jackie for doing the hard work while I snapped the photos.