Adolescent Pre-ecdysis Texas Rat Snake
Elaphe obsoleta lindheimeri

August 14, 2004, Austin, Texas

Great Hills Area of Northwest Austin

Thanks to D.Y., Austin, TX, for sending in the photos shown on this page

One photo can convey a lot of information about a snake. This fellow, for example, is in the midst of shedding its skin, a process known as ecdysis. It has recently taken a meal, judging from the bulge in the lower third of its body where the stomach attaches to the end of its long gullet. It appears to have most of its adult markings, but the head is somewhat lighter than a fully mature individual. My guess is this specimen is an adolescent that hatched two years ago, in August or September of 2002. 

The shedding process takes several days. During that period the snake's skin first becomes milky, then, just before the shed, turns transparent again. The eye-caps remain milky longer than the rest of the skin but, finally, they too will become transparent before the shed. While in this pre-ecdysis state the snake will favor moist environs. Hence this specimen's choice of a hot tub. The warm water keeps the old, outer skin pliable and that will help with the shedding process.

Unfortunately, many snakes tend to defecate just before shedding and, more often than not, this nasty act is performed in water. I advised the homeowner of this and, as he had already wisely removed the snake from the tub, he decided not to turn it loose in his back yard where it might gravitate to the tub again. If the snake has not soiled the water the risk of contamination is low, provided the chemistry of the water is kept within recommended limits. Keep in mind, however, that salmonella is commonly found on snakes and shed snake skins and the risk of infection from handling the skin or the snake can be significant, especially for those with compromised immune systems. Shocking the hot tub prior to its next use is imperative, and -- of course -- careful attention should constantly be paid to the tub's water chemistry. Remember that other reptiles, such as green anoles and geckos, will also spend time in and around your hot tub, and they, too, often carry salmonella and other pathological organisms. 

This homeowner has taken steps to relocate this snake to another geographical area. I advised him to find a heavily wooded area near a steam to release the snake into. The abundance of prey and hiding spots in deep woods should limit the risk that the snake will seek out areas populated by humans for its future foraging activities.

Besides the hot water the snake may have been attracted to the hot tub by of the presence of prey in its immediate vicinity. Hot tub enclosures offer a perfect place for rodents to nest unseen by human eyes. When servicing residential customers I routinely place rodent bait blocks under hot tubs (in places inaccessible to pets and children) to prevent such nests from developing.

* TERMITE ENCOUNTERS * SNAKE ENCOUNTERS * SNAKE BITE FIRST AID * SNAKE EXCLUSION * SPIDER ENCOUNTERS * SPIDER BITE FIRST AID * SPIDER EXTERMINATION * PUSS CATERPILLAR INFO * PUSS CATERPILLAR ENCOUNTERS * PUSS CATERPILLAR FIRST AID * PUSS CATERPILLAR EXTERMINATION * Assembled & Edited by Jerry Cates . Questions? Corrections? Comments? BUG ME RIGHT NOW! ---- Ph: 512-331-1111 ---- E-Mail ---- Privacy ---- BugsInTheNews  *