Posted on 06/07/2012 11:58:28 PM PDT by Theoria
It's the talk of at least one part of Columbia and it all started Tuesday with a phone call from a concerned neighbor.
Heathwood resident Andrew Philson got a call about a snake in his backyard and thought he'd be finding a small garter or black snake, but got the shock of his life when he saw the beast slithering up one of his trees.
That snake has slithered his way into the national spotlight. First, WIS, then CNN, Fox, even the Drudge Report. Why? Well, it's a big snake and who knows how long it had been sneaking -- or snaking -- around in Philson's backyard?
One thing Philson does know, the darn thing was huge. "I'm saying 15 to 20 feet long," he said.
Philson lost track of the snake shortly after taking the pictures, which have now shown up on TV monitors and web sites all over the world. They've also led to some criticism from people including South Carolina Department of Natural Resources snake expert Steve Bennett.
Bennett says it's a rat snake, plain and simple -- a common and useful creature and one that as far as anyone knows, never gets anywhere close to the size claimed by Philson.
"What happens is when people see these things, they are so shocked and probably scared, it changes their whole way of thinking," Bennett said.
Philson does not seem like someone prone to panic, even in the presence of an oversized reptile. A former state trooper, Philson recently served a tour of military duty in Afghanistan.
"I know that when I testified in court in my previous job, that accuracy counts," Philson said.
"People who are otherwise fairly honest and you know, straightforward people, will see something like that and just automatically overestimate and exaggerate the size of it," Bennett said. "It's just human nature.
A wildlife removal company is planning to conduct an all-out search for the snake on Thursday.
Fear the Freeper Kitty Mafia!
The kitten’s in no danger from the snake, even if it were able to go anywhere the snake might be.
The snake can barely eat a medium sized mouse.
[and the snake is nowhere to be found, unfortunately]
Oh great...now you’re a mafia....LOL
[wait...wouldn’t that be a “Meowfia”?]
:D
Have you considered getting a friend for Renfield? The only thing cuter than a kitten playing is two kittens playing together.
LOL! Absolutely purrfect!
Thank mew very much!
NO!
You will *not* assimilate me!
NO NO NO!!!!
;D
I’m very happy to contribute to your insanity....;D
Yes, still praying for Alice’s return, of course.
Renfield sounds like a typical, insane, entertaining kitten. He’s a lucky little guy to have you and your Hubby.
He’s turning into hubby’s cat, really.
[say...what was the name of that Bond villain who always had the cat on his lap?]
;D
Do you, by chance, “sound like a Yankee”?
I’ve lived all over the country and finally settled in SC just south of Charlotte. Best place I’ve ever lived by a long shot.
Methinks you had an exceptional experience.
Columbia sucks. I did enjoy Charlotte but I’ll still not go back. The south is not for me.
He’s absolutely adorable. When does he get his own little leathers and helmet for road trips? :)
}:-)4
Pictures are fairly sharp
Can’t they tell from the markings what kind of snake it is ?
You know why the rat snakes in SC get that big?
To make it harder for the palmetto bugs to gang up on them and carry them off.
}:-)4
It’s a big chicken snake... That’s all... The End. 2 many folks know 2 much ‘bout 2 little 2 often
It’s a big chicken snake... That’s all... The End. 2 many folks know 2 much ‘bout 2 little 2 often
Given the size, he is probably also living in a cat and dog-free neighborhood. In a few more years, maybe even a toddler-free neighborhood.
Mark
Soooooo cute! Congrats on the new addition!
Harumpf, making a sapling look like a mighty oak....
I can't believe you typed "kitteh". Now all your posts need to be signed thusly ----> =^..^=
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