“[He] needed immediate attention” 😰
Staff at Raven Ridge Wildlife Center expected an ordinary intake when a local resident named Bobby arrived with a small injured bird that he had found on the ground.
After thanking him for bringing the bird to their rehabilitation center, the team assumed they would speak with him again only after the bird’s condition had improved.
Instead, Bobby unexpectedly returned less than an hour later with a much larger rescue.
This time, a large blue trash can occupied the back of his vehicle.
At first, wildlife rehabilitators weren’t sure why he had come back or whether he had accidentally left something behind during his first visit.
The reason quickly became clear.
After arriving home, Bobby had discovered an Eastern rat snake tangled tightly in plastic garden netting. The trapped reptile was clearly distressed and unable to free itself.
Knowing the snake needed professional help, Bobby carefully contained it inside the trash can before transporting it back to the wildlife center.
Although rescuers frequently receive snakes caught in plastic mesh, this case proved to be far more serious than expected.
Once they safely removed the snake from the container, they discovered that the netting had cut deeply into its body, creating a severe wound that had already become infected.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the rehabilitation team immediately administered pain medication before beginning the delicate task of removing the plastic strands wrapped around the snake.
Using careful, precise cuts, they gradually freed the reptile from the constricting material without causing additional injury.
After the netting was completely removed, staff thoroughly cleaned the damaged area and treated the wound with medication to reduce the risk of further infection.
To protect the injury while it heals, they also applied a protective bandage designed to keep contaminants away from the exposed tissue.
The snake remains under the care of Raven Ridge Wildlife Center, where it continues to recover. According to the rehabilitation team, its condition is steadily improving with ongoing treatment.
Once the wound has healed sufficiently, the snake will be released back into the same area where it was originally found, following Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations governing native wildlife.
The rescue also serves as another reminder of the dangers posed by discarded or improperly installed plastic garden netting, which can easily trap snakes and other wild animals.
Thanks to Bobby’s quick decision to seek professional help, the injured snake now has the opportunity to fully recover and eventually return to the wild.
Wildlife rehabilitators at Raven Ridge Wildlife Center continue to rely on observant community members like Bobby, whose compassion and fast action make it possible to save countless injured animals each year.