Because we are so creative with the naming process here at the SNC, Big Red is the name for our beloved red rat snake. Red rat snakes are a native species to Florida and can be identified by their gorgeous patterning. But if Big Red is a native species to Florida, why is he with the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital?
Surrendered Pet
The SNC’s mission with any animal we receive is to rehabilitate it (nurse it back to health or independence) and release it back into the wild. In 2020, the United Nations released a report claiming one million species may be pushed to extinction in the next few years. This means every animal life is extremely important and releasing it back into the wild to re-enter the breeding population and increase species numbers is a vital goal to have.
That being said, the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital cannot release an animal back into the wild if it is incapable of surviving on its own. This is the case of Big Red the red rat snake.
When an animal becomes a pet, it loses the need and ability to fend for itself. It becomes dependent on its human caretakers for food, shelter, and water. This is the responsibility we sign up for when we take an animal into our home. However, certain animals (like snakes) are more commonly abandoned than others. This is because sometimes we do not realize all of the responsibilities that go into caring for that animal.
Pets like snakes, tortoises, bearded dragons, and other things that are not as common as cats and dogs can rack up pretty expensive vet bills. They can also be pretty difficult to feed, sometimes because their food choice can be expensive, sometimes because people realize they aren’t comfortable feeding one animal to another (like a mouse to a snake).
Want to meet Big Red?
Big Red lives inside the exhibit area in the SNC’s educational building. As one of our educational ambassadors, Big Red is often used for educational programs. Here you can get an up close look at many of our reptiles!
Want to learn more about Big Red?
Contact our educational department at education@sawgrassnaturecenter.org to learn how to schedule an interactive program for you and your family.