If that is *the* snake, going by the size of compared to the plastic sweater box behind it, I can't see it 'strangling' a kid.
It's not really a very big snake.
Many have mentioned that the snake was said to be "sluggish" by people on the scene due to temperatures.
When a snake is cold, it's pretty much harmless.
They simply cannot move very well.
Entertainers who use snakes in their acts know this and 'chill' their animals before going onstage.