My new neighbor needs help.

[caseyterminello]

I need some help guys. About 4 or 5 weeks ago I found a king snake in my yard. He looked like he had eaten something that was a lump more than 3/4 of the way down his body. He was sitting in a patch of sunlight, presumably to warm up. He would come and go every day for weeks. Even got used to me and the dogs and didn't mind being petted. The lump is still in the same place it's always been. I know his metabolism slows down when it's cold, but it's been weeks now with no change. It's gotten pretty cold, with frost on the ground in the morning. I've caught him laying out in the rain at night, like he got too cold before he found shelter. I cover him up when I find him, but I'm so worried about him. He's sort of developed a patch of rough skin on his bulge, too. So far, he's still alive, but if there's anything I could be doing to help him, I would be glad to. I've never seen a snake that didn't disappear for the winter. I can only think he's picked a hole that fills with rain and forces him out. Any suggestions? I'm half in love with him, (or her) but I can't feed a meat eating snake. Should I bundle him up and find a snake vet? Thanks.

[KMG]

Any pics?

[caseyterminello]

I'll try to get some today.

[Nellasaur]

Is there a wildlife rehab/rescue group that works in your area? It would probably be worth reaching out to them for advice, and they may have resources they can tap if it turns out the snake needs vet care (which I suspect is the case).

[caseyterminello]

I will reach out to a wildlife rescue today. In the meantime, here are some very bad pictures. He insisted on being in the tall grass, but you can sort of see the pale lump towards his tail.[IMG]0105171359a.jpg[/IMG]

[KMG]

Can't see it. The picture has to be uploaded to a place like photobucket. Then copy/paste the "IMG code" here and we will be able to see it.