Short-Term Effects of PIT Tags on Variable Kingsnakes

Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT) tags are an effective way to mark wild and captive reptiles and are required for owners of certain captive reptiles in Ohio. Researchers have implemented studies using the techniques to estimate numbers, movements, as well as collect long-term data on basic population ecology. However, the reliability as a permanent marker and the impact of PIT tags on snakes has often been ancillary to most studies and remains poorly understood. We examined growth rates of captive variable kingsnakes, Lampropeltis mexicana, to determine short-term impacts of PIT tags. Assigned by weight, 18 snakes (tagged group) were injected with Destron TX1411SST PIT tags (12mm) subcutaneously and wounds were immediately covered in Liquid Skin®, while 18 snakes (control group) received the same procedure without the PIT tag being inserted. For five weeks before and after treatment, individuals were weighed and weight gain was calculated. Weekly percent weight change was calculated for each treatment. We documented little difference in average weekly weight gain between tagged and control group treatments (Pre-tagging= 4.42%, Post-tagging= 2.10%, Pre-control= 3.91%, Post-control= 1.78%) and had no tag expulsion. We suggest that PIT tag injections do not affect short-term weight gain