Seriously burned Florida kingsnake now available for adoption
After nearly three months of treatment, a badly burned Florida kingsnake is ready to be adopted from the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA. Only experienced snake handlers need apply.
The 6-foot long male snake was left at the Humane Society’s after hours receiving kennel on June 27. He was emaciated, dehydrated and had deep burns on a third of his body.
A note also was left by the snake owner, who said the snake’s name is Felix and he was left in the care of a friend while the man was homeless. When he went to claim Felix from the friend, he found the snake in bad condition.
Peninsula Humane Society communications manager, Buffy Martin Tarbox, said the note did not include contact information or the name of the owner. He wrote that he didn’t have the money for Felix’s medical treatment but “he didn’t want him to suffer so he surrendered the snake to us.”
Veterinarians and exotic animal handlers at the shelter say they don’t think the burns were intentional, and that Felix was kept in an enclosure that was too small for him, placing him too close to a heat lamp for an extended time.
Vets prescribed what Tarbox called a robust treatment plan for Felix that included creating a bandage to fit his entire body, which helped heal the burn wounds and provided subcutaneous antibiotics to stave off infection.
“Despite the hardship Felix has endured,” Tarbox says, “he’s still extremely friendly and will make a good pet for an experienced snake owner who is also willing to continue applying topical ointment on his wounds.
Florida kingsnakes are native to South Florida and are known for their docile and friendly personalities. The average length of the snakes is 3 to 5½ feet, although they can grow up to 6 feet at …read more
Source:: The Mercury News – Lifestyle
