3 Gopher Snakes Return To Wild After Severe Tangling With Garden Netting

SAN DIEGO, CA — Three gopher snakes are back in their natural habitat after being rehabilitated at San Diego Humane Society's Project Wildlife program.

The snakes were rescued on June 30 after becoming severely entangled in garden netting at a home in Solana Beach.

The netting was wrapped so tightly around their bodies that it caused broken scales, a punctured lung, and severe lacerations of the skin, according to San Diego Humane Society. The snakes underwent multiple anesthetized wound repairs, performed by the Project Wildlife veterinary team, as well as a series of bandage changes. They were also on medications for pain management and antibiotics to prevent infection.

Two of the snakes needed surgeries to repair wounds from the netting. The third was kept for observation and was able to be released three weeks after they were admitted.

"These gopher snakes play an important role in our ecosystem by controlling rodent populations," said Alexis Wohl, wildlife veterinary manager at San Diego Humane Society. "They're non-venomous and generally avoid people, but unfortunately, common garden materials like netting can be a serious hazard to them."

In just the past six months, the organization has treated 21 gopher snakes, and many of them were victims of garden netting, according to San Diego Humane Society. Other animals, such as songbirds and small mammals also get stuck in netting frequently, officials said.

San Diego Humane Society encouraged community members to use wildlife-safe materials in yards and gardens.