Neeru the water snake

[infernalis]

As many of you know, 2012 has been a very harsh season with drought plaguing much of the United States.

The creek behind my house dried up with the exception of two water holes, most of the fish died, and my wetlands dried up, so most of this years tadpoles also perished.

This hardship cascades as the baby snakes will be hardest hit from lack of food to eat.

Long story short, the big female water snake that lives near my camp site gave birth to her litter, and I almost stepped on one of the newborns!! so I was faced with a decision, leave it alone and leave it in natures hands, or bring it in the house and know that at least this baby would have plenty of food and water.

as much as I didn't want to interfere with nature's plan, I couldn't just leave it to starve, or get eaten.. so without further droning..

http://www.thamnophis.co/nerodia/nerodia.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.co/nerodia/nerodia1.jpg

Already eating well, and seems to have acclimated just fine to being pampered.

[shaunyboy]

imo you did the correct thing Wayne

due to present weather conditions.....

i would take as many of the hatchlings i could find into your house mate

you can always release them again in a few weeks,once the weathers more suitable

cheers shaun

[BarelyBreathing]

Where did you get that hide? I want one.

[Tango]

Where did you get that hide? I want one.

That's what I was wondering. Is that aquatic decor repurposed?

I agree that you made the right decision, too. I think most of us would have done the same thing. :)

[infernalis]

Where did you get that hide? I want one.

They are like $3 at wal mart in the same area as the aquarium decorations. Been using them for years, small snakes and lizards love them, they can climb on it, hide in it or burrow under it.

[Rogue628]

imo you did the correct thing Wayne

due to present weather conditions.....

i would take as many of the hatchlings i could find into your house mate

you can always release them again in a few weeks,once the weathers more suitable

cheers shaun

I wholeheartedly agree and couldn't have said it better myself :)

[Slcburm]

Nice call. I would have done the same thing

[bigsnakegirl785]

He's cute! A few years back I caught a water snake, most docile snake I've ever seen, not even head shy.
Anyways cheers on saving his life, and let's hope some more get lucky. :)

[BarelyBreathing]

They are like $3 at wal mart in the same area as the aquarium decorations. Been using them for years, small snakes and lizards love them, they can climb on it, hide in it or burrow under it.

Thank you!!

[Snakeman8]

what species is it? my mom would never let me get a wild caught, beautiful snake by the way!

[Snakeman8]

is it a banded?

[rmfsnakes32]

If the oportunity was there I would do the same thing as well!

[Kingsnakechris]

Good call, nature can be a bit harsh anyways lol

[SWDK]

How's the little guy doing?

[infernalis]

Neeru is doing great.

[alessia55]

Good save :) Well done Wayne.

[infernalis]

update:

Neeru is almost 12 inches long, Has grown to accept trout as well as live minnows.....

http://www.thamnophis.us/2013/neeru.jpg

[EmbraceCalamity]

What a beautiful snake. :D

~Maggot

[infernalis]

his enclosure is about 12 inches to the left of my keyboard, so his head pops out of the aspen to watch me quite often. It's pretty cool.

[Sophia'sSophia]

So beautiful!
I've never seen a grey/black water snake, what species/subspecies is this?
I think you made a good choice, ensuring at least one's survival! ^__^

[infernalis]

Nerodia Sipedon.