Green Water Snake

Question
We have a wild caught green water snake, we have found that he loves tadpoles, however they are not always available. We caught some fish from his enviroment and he will occasionally eat them but not like the tadpoles. We have put lizards and frogs in with him as well but he does not like them. I am lost. I want him to be healthy but I can't seem to find more things that he likes to eat. I'm about ready to turn him loose just to make sure he lives. Any help?

Answer
Hi Cyndi, Wild caughts can sometimes be imprinted on a particular prey type which is not always the most convenient. The usual strategy for making the transition to other prey is to use the technique called "scenting". Sometimes you only have to do this a few times and then they will start taking the alternate prey without you scenting it.
The technique is not for the very squeamish. It involves keeping a couple tadpoles or other food that he eats well in the freezer, defrosting it somewhat and rubbing it over the less familiar prey. This will be even a  bit more tricky for you if he is only taking live fish.
Keep in mind that we are approaching the time of year when North American snakes do slow down and reduce their feeding which may also explain why he is being a bit picky.
Green waters are listed as threatened in some of the northern parts of their range. You may want to check their status in your state and consider releasing him if their numbers are low there. When you remove an animal from the wild you also remove their reproductive potential. Any offspring they would have produced are also removed from the environment.