Posted on 06/19/2007 8:43:25 AM PDT by BGHater
One Wayward Reptile Apparently Ate Cat
Big snakes on the loose have a Pennsylvania community in an uproar after one of the wayward reptiles apparently ate a cat.
One python was found on Wednesday in an industrial park in Bristol Township.
Then, Animal Control officers spent part of Thursday searching for another snake in Bristol, Pa. Both incidents have residents asking where the snakes are coming from.
Kerryann and Steve Sanocki's friends call them the crocodile hunters because they are known for rescuing wild animals.
"Isn't she beautiful?" Steve Sanocki asked as they brought the snake out to show.
It's no surprise that the 9 1/2-foot female albino Burmese python captured in the industrial park was staying with the Sanockis in Warwick until the owner can provide proper housing.
The second snake has managed to elude animal control officers in Bristol for weeks. Residents told WCAU-TV in Philadelphia they think a python hiding under a house has eaten a cat.
"We've been trying to get the cats out, but ... there's still four of them unaccounted for," said Bristol resident Kristopher Kyle.
Officials thought they had the slithering reptile Wednesday night, but the snake slipped away.
"He got into the cage last night, bit the bird, and then when the trap came down he slid back out," said Bristol Township animal control officer Bart Krause.
Authorities said they believe the python was holed up in a burrow once inhabited by groundhogs. Insect foggers were set off under the house Thursday with hopes of drawing the snake out.
All that came out was a cuddly calico kitten. It seemed relieved to be rescued from the python's pit.
Neighbors, however, said they wouldn't rest until the large black snake, which appears to be nocturnal, is no longer free.
"My dogs, I won't even let them out. I make my dad ... at night take them out, because I won't even come out here," said Nicole Petro.
"There are small children around here. I mean they're doing a great job. Let's just get it, capture it and get rid of it," said Jeanette Petro.
Animal Control planned to try to catch the python again between midnight and 2 a.m. In the meantime, residents were being urged to keep their trash cans and trash out of their back yards.
Officials said they believe people are buying snakes and bringing them to Bristol. It is legal to have exotic pythons in homes. Experts warn they can squeeze people to death, especially small children. The snakes also carry salmonella bacteria.
Has Samuel L. Jackson purchased the movie rights?
“My dogs, I won’t even let them out. I make my dad ... at night take them out, because I won’t even come out here,” said Nicole Petro.”
My dogs would be eating snake this morning...they’ve heard it tastes like chicken, and they REALLY like chicken....(chuckle)
Snakes on a plain?
Ophiophiliacs are creepy.
Rendell... Specer... Casey.... Sestak...
I wonder how one determines how a kitten feels and the reason he feels that way. Maybe they have animal victims advocates.
My son has a 5ft ball python. There are 4 locks on the tank. How dumb do you have to be to let snakes get loose?!
Tropical animals in Pennsylvania? It surely won’t last the winter.
Obviously, it was the Monty python.
I’m picturing a potential Far-Side type of cartoon in which a python is in a tank with 4 locks, 3 of which have been picked and are now open. The snake is looking innocent and whistling softly to itself. The owner says, “Dang! It happened again! And this time three of them popped open! What’s wrong with these things?”
A little change in the law could solve future problems.
Son was turned in last week for having a dangerous animal. He took the cop into the room and showed him the 4 locks then pointed out that Buddy had not yet evolved hands to pick the locks.
Not even the wise lawmakers that we seem to elect can legislate intelligence.
Perhaps they were let loose intentionally by the owner! If they escaped by accident the owner would have already notified the authorities. The only way the owner will be identified if if a friend or relative rats him or her out. I hope this happens as this persons needs some media exposure. What a dimwit the owner must be!!!
“Chief suspect is an angst ridden teen, with sloppy bloack hair, glasses and a single thunderbolt scar on his forhead.”
When asked for a comment, child simply replied “That fat jerk kept teasing the poor animal!”
More as this develops....
Dont forget Global Warming!
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