Yeah, I guess I can kinda buy that, but I still find it hard to believe that there is anywhere in the world where it is a normal sight, and not a cause for worry, to come home and find a SIXTEEN FOOT PYTHON IN YOUR CHIHUAHA'S BED!

Before I had the Boa I had a Reticulated Python, which are considered to be the largest snakes in the world when full grown and are not so docile once they mature. One night, I guess I had forgotten to put the lid on the tank correctly and it was kind of cold in the house. I woke up and she was coiled around my leg, trying to keep warm. Again, they have terrible eyesight, and I probably looked like a giant lump of white on a black background. I traded her in for the baby Boa to a guy who didn't mind large testy snakes.

Now I know why you're always packin a piece Rick ;)

Rick,
I agree with all your points about us being arrogant and naive sitting atop the food chain. I agree the animal (snake in this case) isn't doing anything other than what nature has equipped it for. I would not agree with making snake ownership illegal or any such thing as long as people have whatever the proper permission or permits (is that required?) But despite all this I'd never come close to a huge snake like that and I honestly don't think I have a snake "phobia". I actually know a guy who does and he just about comes unglued over a little garter snake. I'm not like that. I can appreciate someone's fasciantion with one I guess, but if I see one going for a pet AND I cna help the pet out without getting seriously hurt, I'm with Jeff. I'm doing what I can. I guess I just have a warmer spot for mammals!

So where are all the annihilate all the Pit Bulls people on this?

I am all for annihilating any animal that I feel poses a threat to me, my family or MY pets be it a pitbull, poodle, snake, skunk, feral cat, raccoon, snapping turtle etc ;)

My policy has always been that if an animal attacks a person, it gets a bullet even if it is one of our pets. I actually am fascinated by snakes, but if I lived in an area where there were venomous ones, I would break out the shovel and or shotgun every time ;)

I have no problem with folks who keep constrictors as pets and I would also have no problem with killing the thing if I found it in on my property. (same goes for a vicious dog whether it is a pitbull or poodle ;):D)

Sounds sensible to me. On those snakes, I know they are fast & strong. I've always felt that in a me vs snake situation, I'd have a decent chance of getting to my pocket knife. If so, I think I could unzip his hide or whittle my way through him before he could squeeze the life out of me.

Sorry Mule,

if a big python grabs and coils around you, you best have someone around. There are many confirmed cases of pet constrictors killing their owners in the US within the past few decades. I have worked with them for 20 years now and the speed and power is amazing. The bite and coil is so fast, you'd have to be extremely lucky to get to your knife even if it was out. My department policy is any time you are restraining any constrictor over 8 feet, there are to be at least two keepers present, and we have all the proper equipment and training in the event of an emergency. I suspect many of the deaths, sadly had alcohol involved, but am not sure. Scrub Pythons are a very common, and necessary part of Australian wildlife. Would I like to see one in my backyard, sure, just as I would enjoy seeing a coyote. Would I put my dog or cat out when one was known to be hanging about, not a chance.

PS: snake owners, please don't feed live mice to your snakes, it is not necessary, all 600+ of ours readily take freshly killed rodents. If left uneaten in the cage, a hungry rodent can do a lot of damage to a snake, not to mention the fact the suffocation or envenomation is probably the not best way to go.
Any Pelicans in or going to be in the San Diego area, pm me and I can show you around one of the best collections of Reptiles anywhere.

Idk mule. They are fast. Lightning fast. Your hand will already be glued to your body unable to get you hand in your pocket. I think the only way for survival with a big snake would be to literally have the the 3" blade out already. Still I'd give myself a 50/50 chance even then.

Do you have any links to info confirming cases where pet constrictors have killed owners in the US? That would be interesting.

He_fuchin_larious! You kill me Jeff!

No... not literaly... wait... put down the gun... SOMEBODY STOP HIM!

here is just one, we almost had to fly out for the trial as an expert witness for a case in CO. as a lawsuit was threatened. Google is your friend, but be wary and trust the site, there are many questionable sites out there and many fake pictures. Some, however are quite real.......I'm not sure if this is going to bring people to my side of the snake table ;)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6191305.stm

Better than finding a 16foot Chihuaha in your snakes bed, that really would be cause for worrry.

Hey, I sleep with a python every night knowhatimsayin and it doesn't bother me a bit.

It does frighten the ladies sometimes thou!


Put me down as a dog and cat person, I don't care if someone else wants to own exotic pets if that floats your boat but not my cup of tea.

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