Wildlife News from Jennifer Berry, Wildlife Volunteers Association
54416200 www.wilvos.org.au
A resident came to the aid of a Keelback Snake recently after finding it lying in her garden. Thinking it was dead, she approached it and was surprised when it moved!
Recognising that there was something wrong, she called the WILVOS 24/7 Hotline & kept on eye on the snake until WILVOS volunteer and licensed snake catcher Shanna arrived.
The Keelback is a common non-venomous snake in southeast Queensland. These snakes are semi-aquatic and have some immunity to cane toad toxins, allowing them to eat the occasional small toad without serious side effects.
This snake appeared to be in good physical condition, but it was very lethargic and not moving well. Shanna gently placed it into a container for transport to the RSPCA Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre at Eumundi, where it was found to have a retained ocular scale.
Instead of eyelids, snakes have a clear protective scale over each eye, which is usually shed along with the rest of a snake’s skin. Sometimes, however, the ocular scale gets ‘stuck’, causing discomfort, vision problems, and behavioural changes.
If left untreated, the snake’s ability to hunt effectively and defend itself can be severely compromised. In this case the retained eye cap was removed by the vet, and after a few days, the Keelback was fighting fit and ready to return to the dam in the MOP’s backyard – a fantastic result!
If you find a sick or injured snake, don’t touch it! Even if you think you know what it is, misidentifications are common. Call the WILVOS 24/7 Hotline on 5441 6200 and we’ll find someone who is qualified to assist.