Small garden snake stuck on masking tape, What to do??

Question

A small (probably 10" long) tan/brown snake was just found stuck inside very sticky masking tape (not unlike duct tape) in the garage. He was found close to a box, curled and stuck inside the tape. We've been working to cut away the tape bit by bit but are worried about hurting the snake. When we have tried pulling the tape off carefully it sticks to his skin. We've been able to cut away half the tape, enough to where we see his head and most of the body. He's still quite alive, but quite stuck. What should we do? Is there any way to save him?

Answer 1

First of all what kind of snake is it. You said tan and brown the first thing I can think of is a Pigmey Rattlesnake or a Moccasin.....BOTH POISONIOUS!

I am really not sure what you can do about that. Pulling his skin off can hurt him from infection and other diseases but not getting it off will hurt him too.

I would suggest calling the local fish and wildlife or humane society!

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Answer 2

any kitchen oil will unstick the sticky in the tape. don't be fearful of using too much, it will eventually wear off. and kudos to you for caring about these seldom understood and even more seldom adored animals.

Answer 3

Use olive oil or other non-chemical/non-smelly oily stuff to get rid of the sticky. It may take a few minutes, but it should work. And, if it does bite you (which it most likely won't) there's no need to worry, they're harmless.

Answer 4

HELLO IT A GARDEN SNKAE IT WONT BITE YOU!!!!!

Answer 5

The oil idea is pretty good, though it might make things pretty slick.  Just be sure to pull in the same direction that the scales grow.

Kudos to you for trying---poor little critters get into trouble sometims.

Answer 6

try to gently wash the glue off  from the tape with nail polish remover. That's maybe help, but be careful dint touch the snake skin.  I hope you can help that poor thing to be free. Good luck