A Western Coachwhip Snake’s Unlucky Day

The following story about a western coachwhip was shared with us by New Mexico Wildlife Center.

A western coachwhip snake arrived at New Mexico Wildlife Center on August 24, 2022, after an incredibly unlucky day.

Her front end had been caught in a rodent snap trap, and her back end was pinned beneath a closed garage door. She sustained multiple rib fractures where the rodent trap had snapped closed on her body, and the garage door left a large, gaping wound where it had come down on her.

After many weeks of wound treatment, the site was surgically closed to accelerate the final stages of healing. With another shed or two, she would be good to go.

There was just one problem: she refused to eat! We tried everything: different prey items, soaked prey in chicken broth, but nothing would whet her appetite. So, we turned to EmerAid IC Carnivore!

After just one tube feeding of EmerAid, she is preparing to shed. We look forward to releasing her in the spring