Quote Originally Posted by Skiploder View Post
Probably internal parasites - as they seem to be a fairly normal part of their gut flora in the wild. Pits - especially those in your neck of the woods - don't seem to be that affected by temperature swings unless they are extreme.

While they can cope with a background amount of parasites, if they become stressed due to a serious injury or being captured and placed in captivity, the stress can weaken the immune system tot he point where the balance becomes compromised.

How long has the animal been a captive?
Interesting. Ty for the input.

To answer your question: Its entire life. Its brother or sister is currently at a another nature center and is reported around 6-7 feet long.
These snakes were bred by a local colubrid breeder who apparently does not discriminate which snakes he puts together as there is also a hybrid black/everglades rat snake bred by him housed at the center.