'Tails' from the Field

Mission Viejo Animal Services recently responded to a call from a frightened citizen regarding a snake the resident observed on his property. Senior Officer Stewart arrived and was informed by the resident that the snake was attacking a wild rabbit, and the resident saved the rabbit by throwing a rock at the snake. Officer Stewart located the harmless gopher snake in a nearby bush, and it had an obvious laceration from the rock.  

Officer Stewart educated the resident that snakes eat rodents and rabbits and are vital to our ecosystem to control the rodent population.  Officer Stewart also explained the difference between gopher snakes and rattlesnakes.  The injured snake was transferred to veterinarian Dr. Weldy with the Serrano Animal Hospital for wound care. Dr. Weldy was successful in repairing the lacerations and the gopher snake recovered and was released back to the wild.

Mission Viejo Animal Services responds to calls for any sick or injured wildlife in our service area. For more information on local wildlife, visit this link.