The game is bound to have some sort of compromises, and they can't think of every resolution that a player would think of.
There are a few checks that you can attempt in that scene, but the rolls are pretty high. Granted, from a personal stand point, I think there should be more options to save a child.
Fun side note: if you are under the effect of Speak With Animals you can actually talk to the snake - it won't listen to you however, which is a bit of a bummer. Would love there to be a check for that interaction, since it is hidden anyway.
