Posted on 06/29/2004 5:43:14 AM PDT by 11th Earl of Mar
Man Finds Ball Python Under Seat Of Rental Car
POSTED: 7:40 am EDT June 29, 2004
MADISON, Wis. -- A motorist found a slithery surprise not covered in his rental car agreement when a ball python stuck its head out from between his legs.
"He was completely in shock," said Officer Laura Walker. "I mean he said he was lucky he didn't crash the car."
When Walker and animal control officer Tim Frank arrived to help Sunday, the 2 1/2-foot constrictor snake was coiled around the seat's base, Walker said.
With some effort, Frank removed the black and gold snake and took it to the Dane County Humane Society, which will put it up for adoption if no one claims it, Frank said.
The man had rented the car the night before and had driven it to Milwaukee and back and around Madison on Sunday, Walker said.
The snake was slightly dehydrated and was probably there for at least a week, Frank said.
The snake was tame and likely hand-reared, Frank said, adding that ball snakes are very common pets.
Sgt. John Radovan said the driver had no idea how or when the snake got into the car.
"Before he left he told the officer that he was going to expect a free car rental," Radovan said.
LOL!
At least the writer has a sense of humor.
Funny... I just told my son last night that I would let him get a ball python.
Ball Python between his legs, the jokes tell themselves.
He's very, very lucky that the snake didn't live up to its name.
OOHHHH I'd been pissed at that car company.
He had just taken Viagra for the first time, so naturally he was a bit concerned.
The snake was likely in a puddle of urine after that surprise.
Bawney?
Geez! He found a little bitty critter and had to call 2 gubermint employees to help?
One of my 10 year old daughters could have handled it.
If he gets money in court we will see many snakes in rental cars while they drink hot coffee with mice in the cups.
lol... You are bad.
The snake was likely in a puddle of urine after that surprise.
LMAO.... I had the same thoughts, and would add one other comment, better grab a new set of undies as well.... - big skid mark on back side.
They do make great pets. Maximum lenght 6", never bite, and are now captive bred in several color morphs.
Its called a "Ball" Python because it coils up into ball shape with the head in the center of the ball when threatened.
Thye ARE a lot cheaper to feed and don't generally die. Also quite practical at times.
More likely we will see a clause inserted in the bill sale to the effect that the car sales company is not responsible for any lost critters in the car.
I understand they will only grow to their envrionment.
So will a young python stay small if kept in a small cage?
It will break a man from reaching down while he is driving.
Well, actually, the animal will continue to grow to its normal maxium regardless of the size of the container.
This issue comes up in tropical fish discussions frequently.
If the size of the container is inadequate for the animals, it will not thrive and will die. Snakes don't need the same size container as other more active animals. A 6 foot ball pythin would probably do just fine in a large fish tank type container - like a 30 gallon or 55 gallon, or, with frequent cleaning and handling, perhaps a 20 gallon long. But the larger the better.
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