A common backyard product meant to protect plants nearly became a death trap for a bullsnake in Colorado.
Footage shared by Colorado snake remover Seth Baker (@ssrsethssnakeremoval) shows the animal tangled in bird netting, illustrating how an everyday garden deterrent can quickly become dangerous for wildlife moving through the same space.
Here's what to know
The rescue appeared in a TikTok video, where Baker showed himself catching the bullsnake and cutting it free.
The creator said, "This Bullsnake was in some serious trouble. I'm happy I was able to capture this snake and cut it loose before it was too late."
@ssrsethssnakeremoval ⚠️ Bird netting can be dangerous to wildlife! This Bullsnake was in some serious trouble. I'm happy I was able to capture this snake and cut it loose before it was too late. Bird netting may seem harmless, but animals can easily become tangled in it while trying to move through it. I've personally seen snakes, bats, birds, lizards, mice, rabbits, and other small wildlife trapped in netting. Once an animal becomes tangled, struggling can cause the netting to tighten around their body, legs, wings, or neck, resulting in serious injury or even death. If you use bird netting, install it tightly, keep it off the ground, and check it regularly for trapped animals. Please consider not using it at all! #Wildlife #WildlifeRescue #SnakeRescue #AnimalRescue #Nature ♬ som original - nat☆
According to the post, the risk extends beyond this one animal.
Baker explained, "Bird netting may seem harmless, but animals can easily become tangled in it while trying to move through it."
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He also said snakes are only part of the problem: "I've personally seen snakes, bats, birds, lizards, mice, rabbits, and other small wildlife trapped in netting."
More background
What was intended as a barrier for birds instead ensnared the snake, with the material tightening around its body as it struggled to get loose.
Because backyards, gardens, and landscaped spaces often overlap with wildlife habitat, everyday decisions about netting, fencing, and ground cover can create hazards for animals passing through. In many cases, human activity helps create the conditions for these encounters.
Baker explained how quickly entanglement can escalate: "Once an animal becomes tangled, struggling can cause the netting to tighten around their body, legs, wings, or neck, resulting in serious injury or even death."
What can be done?
For people who still use bird netting, Baker advised keeping it taut and ensuring it isn't left resting on or near the ground.
A net that appears safe at first glance can still become hazardous if it loosens over time or if a small animal gets caught in it unnoticed.
Baker also recommended avoiding the product altogether when possible.
Where can I learn more?
These stories look at other close calls involving snakes and wildlife around homes, gardens, and roads. They include rescues from garden netting, a roadside save in Pennsylvania, and backyard encounters that sparked debate over coexistence.
• A grass snake became tangled in garden netting before a rescuer cut it free.
• In Pennsylvania, a boa constrictor was slithering across a busy road before rescuers intervened.
• A backyard confession about a garter snake encounter drew a wave of snake-friendly tips.
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