In a recent wildlife rescue operation, three gopher snakes were successfully returned to their native habitat following an unfortunate encounter with garden netting. According to a report by the San Diego Humane Society, these serpents were found in a desperate situation in Solana Beach, entangled to the point of sustaining severe injuries. Rescued on June 30, 2025, the snakes underwent extensive rehabilitation under the watchful eyes of the Society's Project Wildlife program.
The incident prompted veterinary intervention, with the snakes suffering from broken scales, a punctured lung, and serious skin lacerations. The rehabilitation efforts were intense, with multiple anesthetized wound repairs, medications for pain, and antibiotics to prevent infections. Among the three rodents' predators, surgeries were required for two to address the devastating effects of the netting, while the third snake was held for observation but was released earlier, after three weeks of care.
Project Wildlife's veterinary team focused on crucial aspects like proper nutrition and managing humidity levels to aid in shedding cycles, which are vital post-trauma and surgery. "These gopher snakes play an important role in our ecosystem by controlling rodent populations,” said Alexis Wohl, DVM, Wildlife Veterinary Manager at San Diego Humane Society. “They’re non-venomous and generally avoid people, but unfortunately, common garden materials like netting can be a serious hazard to them.”
With 21 gopher snakes treated in just half a year, many due to garden netting entanglement, the San Diego Humane Society highlights a persistent threat to wildlife. Similarly, small mammals and songbirds often fall victim to the netting. To mitigate such risks, Project Wildlife recommends avoidance of the netting if possible, and if utilized, to make sure that it is kept taut and off the ground, checking frequently for ensnared animals. Options like rigid netting with ¼-inch or smaller openings are suggested as wildlife-safe alternatives. More tips can be found on their coexistence page at sdhumane.org/coexist.
