Snake tail came off

[David u]

The other day i saw a snake on the ground and i recognize the species, it's was a cope's forest racer so i grabbed it's tail, then the snakes stared twisting around and the tail came off above the cloaca. I've cath them before and they're usually peaceful, Why would the snake do this?

[DJC Reptiles]

I would never recommend grabbing any animal by the tail, as they are usually very sensitive. Snakes cannot deliberately let go of the their tails like some lizard species can. My guess is an improper shed restricted blood flow to that part of the tail and killed it. When you grabbed on to the tail it fell off. It is either that or you pulled too hard. When catching animals in the future be very cautious of sensitive parts, it is only right to release them how you first saw them.

[Scubadiver59]

This is why they make snake hooks...

[Bandit]

I've heard of some fast-moving species doing this as a method of escape. I never recommend grabbing/holding a snake by it's tail as it can injure them (even if it doesn't fall off).