Snake tail came off

semi viper · 07-20-17, 01:00 PM

Today I was in the woods when I came across a 4ft jungle racer, so I grabbed it from its tail, then the snake starting doing barrel rolls and the tail came off and the snake escaped. I've never heard of any snake doing this has this happened to anyone else?

jjhill001 · 07-20-17, 01:35 PM

Racers have very long thin tails, I imagine you just ripped it off unintentionally. I've never heard of them popping off like a lizard would and it's not likely to grow back.

Even on wide snakes like a ball python or western hognose I wouldn't advise grabbing anything but the base of the tail.

Scubadiver59 · 07-20-17, 01:58 PM

Suggestion for your next trip...carry a snake hook or tongs so you don't repeat your mistake.

Or better yet...just take pictures?

FWK · 07-20-17, 02:32 PM

This is very common in some snakes, such as Coluber (Racers/Whips/Coachwhips) and Nerodia (Water Snakes). The dropped tail will not grow back. It's never a good idea to grab a snake by the tail, even if the tail doesn't break off you can still do serious damage to the animals spine. I don't know exactly what species you mean by Jungle Racer, where was it found? Do you have any pictures?