04/16/2026
Sometimes, the best intentions for wildlife are limited by rules meant to protect it.
Today, we got a call about a Scarlet Kingsnake that had been attacked by cats. These native non-venomous snakes are vulnerable to domestic pets, habitat loss, and road mortality. When one ends up in our care, our instinct is always the same: give it the absolute best shot at survival.
We immediately reached out to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. There are no licensed reptile rehabilitators currently operating in a reasonable distance in Georgia. I contacted the closest one in Washington County and they stated they couldn't accept the snake. However, we have a trusted, permitted one just across the border in South Carolina who was willing to accept the snake, treat its wounds properly (including antibiotics, wound management, and monitoring), and release it back near its original capture site once recovered.
The answer from Georgia DNR was no.
They also would not allow the South Carolina rehabilitator to come into Georgia to treat the animal under their own permit.
So we were left with the only legal option available to us: clean the wounds as thoroughly as possible, apply basic supportive care, and release the snake back into its habitat this afternoon.
It’s not what we wanted. It’s not what the snake deserved. A full rehabilitation stay would have dramatically increased its chances, proper pain management, infection control, and time to heal away from predators and the elements. Instead, we’re relying on nature to do the rest after giving it the best field treatment we could under the circumstances.
This is one of the hardest parts of wildlife rescue work. Regulations exist for good reasons, to prevent disease spread, stop the illegal wildlife trade, and ensure animals are handled by qualified people. But when those same rules create a gap where no qualified help is available, and then block reasonable solutions across state lines, the animal pays the price. We end up forced into a “release and hope” scenario rather than a true second chance.
All we can do is keep showing up for these animals anyway. We’ll continue cleaning wounds, providing immediate care, educating the public, and advocating for more practical permitting processes that prioritize animal welfare without unnecessary barriers.
The little Scarlet Kingsnake in the video was alert and moving well when I let it go. I placed it back in suitable cover near where it was found, wished it well, and let it disappear into the leaf litter where it belongs.
We did what we could, legally and ethically. But we’ll keep pushing for systems that let us do what’s best, not just what’s allowed. Native wildlife deserves every possible chance.
Thank you to everyone who reaches out or volunteers with us. Every release, even imperfect ones, matter.
~Cody
