Field herping behind the kitchen stove

[distaff]

My eyesight sucks. Good thing BF saw a little tail flick.
Found three. One had died in a mouse trap.

Common King, Lampropelitus getula. Maybe, Desert King, L.getula splendida - one looks more like the first, the second looks more like splendida.

Both are 12 - 13 inches long, and both weigh 12grams.

Based on my initial research, neither is protected by NM law. It is cold and rainy out today, so they are staying in separate plastic totes on the kitchen counter where it is warm. If I let them outside in the rain, I expect the dogs or chickens would surely get them. I don't think they have had a first meal.

Absolutely beautiful little serpents.

[Reinz]

Great rescue!

[distaff]

Thanks Reinz.

Still cold and wet here. I want to do what's right by these guys. Do I release or not? It is still cold and wet here - Fall seems to have arrived.

When the care sheets all recommend ambient temps in the 70's and a mid 80's hotspot, how are these little guy going to survive outside? Also, we are normally over run with little anole-like lizards, but they disappeared with chill and rain. I hunted yesterday for some natural food for them, but couldn't find a thing except for thick grubs, and two very small snails. (not even sure about the suitability of grubs -"cutworms?"- and the Kings weren't interested in them anyway. I was sure I could find some mouse nests in all the usual places (under the goat shelters, and under the square pavers in the chicken and rabbit pens), and come up with a couple of nice pinkies, but NO LUCK AT ALL!

We will be going to town get some frozen pinkies from a pets store today.

Last night, the slightly larger and more lively snake from the sticky trap was out cruising the tub's perimeter. That one, in particular, always impresses me with its strength and vigor. It would have the best chance outside. Still, at their current size, seems like a nearly certain death sentence ...my three dogs?? the chickens??

Perhaps I'm allowing too much emotion into this, I would LOVE to keep at least one.