Severely Injured Florida Kingsnake Available For Adoption

BURLINGAME, CA -- A severely injured Florida Kingsnake that received extensive treatment from the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA is now available for adoption, shelter officials announced Tuesday.

The snake was emaciated, dehydrated and had burns on a third of his body when it came to the Humane Society in June.

Buffy Martin Tarbox, the communications manager for the Humane Society, said the owner surrendered the snake, named Felix, with a note saying he was homeless.

"When the owner reclaimed Felix from his friend, he found Felix was in very poor shape, with burn wounds covering a third of his body," Tarbox said. "In the note, the owner, who did not leave a name or contact information, said he didn’t have the money to heal Felix and he didn’t want him to suffer so he surrendered the snake to us.”

The Humane Society's veterinarians and exotics staff prescribed a robust treatment plan for Felix, including creating a bandage to fit his entire body to help heal the burn wounds and providing subcutaneous antibiotics to stave off infection.

Staff suspect the burn wounds were possibly due to Felix being in an enclosure that was too small and too hot for him, forcing him to be exposed continuously to extreme temperatures.

“Despite the hardship Felix has endured, he’s still extremely friendly and will make a good pet for an experienced snake owner who is also willing to continue applying topical ointment on his wounds,” Tarbox said.

Florida Kingsnakes are known for their docile and friendly personalities. The live on average between 12-20 years and can reach up to six feet in length.

Felix’s age is unknown, but he is fully grown, and measures at about six feet long. He will require a secure tank at least 60 gallons large and will need to be kept separate from other snakes.

Felix is available for adoption at PHS/SPCA’s Center for Compassion at 1450 Rollins Road in Burlingame. His adoption fee is $40.

--Photos courtesy of the Peninsula Humane Society