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Las Vegas girl recovering from python attack
KVBC ^ | September 1, 2008 | Maria Silva

Posted on 09/02/2008 1:39:14 PM PDT by Shermy

A local girl is recovering after being attacked by her own pet, a Burmese python. The father says he was forced to kill the snake to save his daughter. The family says they never imagined the pet they loved would attack.

While they didn't want their faces shown, they told News 3 they're coming forward to remind others about the possible dangers.

"She was wrapped around my ribs and every time I moved she'd squeeze them tighter so I couldn't breathe," 13-year-old Katherine said.

Katherine's uncle and father came to her rescue. "As I was untangling, it was wrapping around me and her both; it had my feet tied together," Katherine's uncle said.

The python was at about 15 feet long and weighed in at 40 lbs with plenty of sharp teeth. The Burmese python wasn't budging. "Stuck my hand between mouth and leg where the snake had a bite, wouldn't come off, grabbed a knife, cut the snake's head," dad explains.

The family says they kept their pet python of four years, named Victoria, in a large tank with locks. Victoria broke out and slithered her way into Katherine's room. "I'm just glad they were there because I don't know what I would have done if I was there by myself," Katherine said.

Having survived this ordeal the family now says they've learned a valuable lesson. "If you got children in the house, you shouldn't have them," Katherine's father said. "If you have one of your own, pay attention."

The attack happened early Saturday morning, the same day as a similar attack at a zoo in Venezuela. A student zookeeper there was bitten and then crushed to death by a ten foot Burmese Python who then tried to swallow the man.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; News/Current Events; US: Nevada
KEYWORDS: darwinawards; isntnaturewonderful; python
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1 posted on 09/02/2008 1:39:17 PM PDT by Shermy
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To: Kenny Bunk; blam; swarthyguy; okie01; marron; Grampa Dave

Ping.


2 posted on 09/02/2008 1:40:21 PM PDT by Shermy (Barry O'Java - Joe Blah '08 (Carbon Credits and Credit Card Fee Increases Guaranteed))
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To: Shermy

Oh, heck! He’s up to my neck!


3 posted on 09/02/2008 1:41:37 PM PDT by OB1kNOb (Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.)
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To: Shermy

I recall the author of “the far side” (gary lawson?) saying he had a similar experience with a pet python.

It only then dawned on him that it was a very big animal with a very tiny brain.


4 posted on 09/02/2008 1:42:19 PM PDT by Wiseghy ("You want to break this army? Then break your word to it.")
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To: Shermy
Having survived this ordeal the family now says they've learned a valuable lesson. "If you got children in the house, you shouldn't have them," Katherine's father said. "If you have one of your own, pay attention."

They needed a near death experience to come to this conclusion? Stupid parents. Poor girl.

5 posted on 09/02/2008 1:42:22 PM PDT by Former Proud Canadian (I would spend more time on FR but I have to make sure my tires are inflated.)
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To: Shermy
The family says they never imagined the pet they loved would attack.

I just hate stories of unrequited love with a small reptilian brain. Then again, it could have been showing its affection with a big hug.

6 posted on 09/02/2008 1:43:23 PM PDT by NautiNurse (Sarah Barracuda!)
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To: Shermy
I'm just sayin'... if you have a "pet" you have to lock up so that it won't kill you and/or the kids... You may be unclear on the concept.

Here's your sign - we'll just paste it onto your tombstone.

7 posted on 09/02/2008 1:43:54 PM PDT by willgolfforfood
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To: Former Proud Canadian

There are a lot of bad dog attacks, and people keep buying aggressive breeds.


8 posted on 09/02/2008 1:44:22 PM PDT by Mamzelle
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To: Shermy

I have never understood why people keep all sorts of primitive predators as pets just to see them consume things.

This would range from all sorts reptiles amphibians arachnids scorpions centipedes etc.


9 posted on 09/02/2008 1:45:18 PM PDT by valkyry1
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To: NautiNurse

“I just hate stories of unrequited love with a small reptilian brain. Then again, it could have been showing its affection with a big hug.”

Exactly.


10 posted on 09/02/2008 1:45:31 PM PDT by Travis McGee (--- www.EnemiesForeignAndDomestic.com ---)
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To: Shermy
The family says they never imagined the pet they loved would attack.

Darwin Foiled!

11 posted on 09/02/2008 1:45:47 PM PDT by theDentist (Qwerty ergo typo : I type, therefore I misspelll.)
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To: Shermy

And folks they have done it, they have beat the unbeatable, they have found a family pet worse than a pitbull..


12 posted on 09/02/2008 1:46:23 PM PDT by N3WBI3 (Ah, arrogance and stupidity all in the same package. How efficient of you. -- Londo Mollari)
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To: Shermy

In a zoo setting, I think the rule is one person for every five feet, when dealing with big snakes.

I’ve seen a “little” python take a rat, and I could hear bones crunch.

A python is just as dangerous to people as is a big dog, with considerably less brain. If you want to own one fine, but you must realize that it’s like a Doberman or a horse, mismanagement and carelessness can have consequences.


13 posted on 09/02/2008 1:47:23 PM PDT by DBrow
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To: Mamzelle

I have occasion to go into houses where people have pit bulls and toddlers. I don’t understand it and I just shake my head. Do they love their pets more than their kids?


14 posted on 09/02/2008 1:48:11 PM PDT by Former Proud Canadian (I would spend more time on FR but I have to make sure my tires are inflated.)
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To: Former Proud Canadian
"He's just a softie. But he might lick you to death."
15 posted on 09/02/2008 1:51:13 PM PDT by Mamzelle
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To: OB1kNOb
Oh, heck! He’s up to my neck!

Oh fiddle! He's reached my middle!

16 posted on 09/02/2008 1:54:35 PM PDT by Flycatcher (Strong copy for a strong America)
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To: Shermy
The family says they never imagined the pet they loved would attack.

Idiots; humanizing a wild animal.

It's a pre-programed eating machine. It's got a snake sized brain. What does it know?

17 posted on 09/02/2008 1:54:50 PM PDT by metmom (Welfare was never meant to be a career choice.)
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To: NautiNurse

Python,(to the father) “Why are you surprised? You knew I was a snake when you got me!”


18 posted on 09/02/2008 1:56:34 PM PDT by Judges Gone Wild
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To: Shermy
The family says they never imagined the pet they loved would attack.

I guess he didn't love them back. This should be a warning to Repubicans too--don't reach across the aisle. Same thing.

19 posted on 09/02/2008 1:59:34 PM PDT by beaversmom
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To: Shermy

Did they name it Monty?


20 posted on 09/02/2008 2:00:28 PM PDT by swarthyguy (Osama Freedom Day: Almost 7 years, Amrika, hahaha!)
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