Roland Preston|Snake caught in Halloween decoration with half-eaten lizard rescued by wildlife officials

2025-04-30 22:50:14source:Surfwin Trading Centercategory:Scams

A wild Florida snake became part of a gory Halloween scene Saturday when it found itself tangled in a decorative spider web.

A Miami Shores resident discovered the Florida black racer snake wrapped up in a fake spiderweb and Roland Prestoncalled wildlife experts in to help, according to the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station (PHSS), which came to the rescue.

PHSS brought the rescued snake to its facilities and started setting the snake free. In the process, they found another small lizard also tangled up in the web and half-eaten by the black racer snake.

The rescuers believe that the snake saw the lizard as a Halloween treat but got caught in the web along with it. PHSS spokesperson Hannah McDougall said in an emailed statement to USA TODAY Tuesday that staff members were not sure if the lizard had died before or after being nearly swallowed whole by the snake.

More:Can alligators help control Florida's python population? A new study provides clues

Rescuers cleared away the tangled, cotton decoration and kept the snake overnight for observation before releasing it the next day.

Black racer snakes are native to Florida, pose no harm to humans, and hunt lizards, frogs, rodents and birds, according to the National Park Service. The species gets its name from their speed, and they can grow up to 60 inches long.

A 'common' incident this time of year

Officials with PHSS reminded people of the potential dangers of outdoor decorations on wildlife.

“This type of entanglement injury is common this time of year with people decorating their landscaping for Halloween. We’ve seen the same injury before with a small warbler”, said Yaritza Acosta, a wildlife rehabilitation manager, according to the press release by PHSS.

"While festive and seemingly innocuous, decorations like fake spiderwebs can unintentionally threaten local wildlife. In this case, the snake was fortunate to be discovered and saved by concerned citizens.” said McDougall.

More:Scams

Recommend

Angie Murimirwa: From hiding in the bathroom to Time's most influential people list

I don't mean to humble brag, but I am on a first name basis with one of the most influential people

What we know about Ajike AJ Owens, the Florida mom fatally shot through a neighbor's door

The 35-year-old mother of four fatally shot through a door in Florida after a dispute with a neighbo

What causes Alzheimer's? Study puts leading theory to 'ultimate test'

An idea that has propelled Alzheimer's research for more than 30 years is approaching its day of rec