Reptile Rescue
If you are in Northern Virginia, or the DC Metro area and you find an animal that may need assistance, please call:
The Wildlife Hotline at (703) 440-0800 for advice and help.
If you live outside the DC area please visit:
http://www.wildliferehabber.com/
If an animal is uninjured, leave it alone. Reptiles and other animals thrive in big cities, it is their home.
If the animal is injured, except snakes, place the animal in an appropriately-sized box with padding inside (multi-layers of paper towels, newspaper, or a soft towel or washcloth without holes or strings) and air holes for ventilation. Keep the box in a warm, dark, quiet place until ready to transport to a rehabilitator.
DO NOT give any food or water as the animal could drown, die from shock, or have problems with the wrong food.
Please DO NOT try and handle snakes. Snakes are very difficult to identify and you may have found a non native animal or a venomous snake with an unusual color or pattern.
Snakes are escape artists! They can get out of boxes, aquariums, and most anything else.
It is best to immediately call a wildlife rescue to come and safely pick up the snake.
If the snake absolutely MUST be moved immediately. It is possible to try the garbage can trick. However this may harm the snake further and make its injuries worse. It is best to wait for help.
You may be able to use a long handled broom to gently and safely "sweep" the snake into a large garbage can with a very secure fitting lid. Gently pull the trash can upright and push the lid down securely.
Call wildlife rescue immediately to come get the animal as there is no guarantee the snake will not escape!