News: 2 die in rock python attack

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Originally Posted by reptileexperts

Yeah, that's the only reason I agreed, it's better to keep ones oppinions out of the papers and medias hands. Which is why I will only be giving them facts about giants and living with giants, and information on attack histories if they ask specificaly. But I'm fairly certain the topic of the actual deaths will, and should, be avoided.

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Choose your words very wisely and be wary of the power of editing. Remember they can cut and snip, and they are good at it. The media has an agenda today and it is not herp friendly. Best of luck.

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Originally Posted by Mephibosheth1

Our hopes and futures rest on you

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It's not just him. It's all of us. We all have a responsibility to watch out and defend one-another if we hope to keep this hobby alive by educating as many people as possible. Events like this, unfortunately, are a huge setback, like a fire in a forest restoration project. However, we don't give up. We clean up and move on.
For example, on the 11th of August, I'm still taking Boots the Magic Ball Python to a child's birthday party. Hopefully, I'll get to motivate the next generation of reptile keepers. More members, and we have a stronger community. I just hope those kids grow up faster. lol

So, I know this isn't an "official" media outfit, but I there some way that we as a community (or the owners/admin) could put out an official statement on the matter, or something??

Im sure that USARK and other offical groups probably have, but if all us "independent" groups say something, it couldn't hurt...

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Originally Posted by eatgoodfood

For those of you with facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Urban...02915186391965

For those without:

"Update: The official word from RCMP according to Indian River Reptile Zoo curator Bry Loyst, is that teeth marks have been found on the children and the evening the event occurred they had been at a petting zoo or farm until 10:30pm.

Stay tuned for another quick update show with details later today.

(Photo of actual python from Ocean Reptiles owner Jean Claude's FB)"

-Urban Jungles Radio

If this proves to be true, its a black day for all of us.

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Petting zoo or farm? Until almost two hours after dark? Still smells.:fishslap:

Yeah its all hearsay until there is an official statement. But thats the best most recent news ive seen.

Here is my exact statements in quotes from the interview that happened a lot quicker than expected - maybe so I wouldn't have time to brush up? Anyways I mentioned the facts in regards to the questions. If its misquoted here is the quote for everyone to see and when it releases tomorrow ill try and get a link to the online version. Cheers,

"African Rock Pythons, Python sebae, are typically aggressive in wild caught individuals, or captive bred specimens who receive little to no handling. Not all specimens are like this though, many will calm over time if raised from a young snake with proper care and handling.

African rocks were a fairly common sight in pet stores during the first decade of 2000, but have since become less kept. This is due to the fact that many wild caught imports were still being sold - which were aggressive - and the captive born hatchlings that were being sold were simply growing too large for most keepers who did not realize exactly what they were getting into. In current day - the US has added Python sebae to the injurious wildlife list of the Lacey act, effectively prohibiting it from interstate transportation, in or out. This also forbids the ability for these snakes to be brought into the states (no more wild caught species at least) but still allows direct exportation of animals out of the states to other countries (Germany, Japan, UK, etc). On top of the federal law that is in place, state laws also effect this with new laws going into place making it more difficult on keepers. Texas has a simple permit process which is essentially a registration fee. Ohio requires very strict insurance to be purchased as well as permits. Florida basically forbids them from ownership outside of snakes that were already owned prior to the laws being placed. Thus, pet store appeal has dropped to near nothing with the exception of specialized exotic shops.

African Rocks need large caging, experienced handlers (those who have at least dealt with large constrictors) and large food items. They are not something to be kept by everyone, but they are something that can be kept by a responsible keeper who knows exactly what they are getting into. As with most giant constrictors (Burmese, Reticulated Pythons, and Anacondas) African rocks exhibit a trait known as feeding aggression which essentially is a response for food when a cage is opened. While this aggression usually leaves the snake once it is out of the cage and realizes there is no food being given. It is a dangerous moment for the keeper who initially opens the enclosure. Enclosure for an African rock adult need to usually be custom made or custom ordered through a company who specializes in giant caging. A female will need at least a 6' by 3' floor space in her enclosure (most would argue at least an 8' by 3') and a male would also need at least a 4' by 3' (again, preferably 6' by 3'). These cages do not come cheap and will need to be able to handle a giant constrictor who can push their way through a weak side. Food for an adult will range from 3-8 pound rabbits, or a few adult chickens, or even pigs for some of the larger spectrum females. For safety concern, at least 2 people should also always be present when feeding, handling, cleaning, or in any way simply opening the cage to an adult African rock python.

Again, African rocks from wild caught origin are known for their extremely aggressive behavior. These, much like their captive born counter parts, can and will calm with regular interactions between them and their keeper. A snake that is left in its cage with feeding being the only interaction it receives, will typically stay on the aggressive side. It is up to the keeper to raise a calm snake. Tame, African Rocks are just as docile as Burmese, and Reticulated Pythons. But it does take effort, just like any other giant species."



Cheers,


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thats good information but I fear their going to hack it and only take the parts where you say aggressive and talk about the bans.....

Good stuff
Looks like you gave them good info

I'm both nervous for and excited to hear the results of the autopsy.

Arnt you??

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Originally Posted by eatgoodfood

Thats good information but I fear their going to hack it and only take the parts where you say aggressive and talk about the bans.....

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in the interview itself I was asked about their aggression more than anything else, then asked about issues with keeping them. It's the media, I could've said "No response" to the attitude questions, and made myself look bad, and then given them an assumption mark. It's lose, lose I'm afraid. We can only do our best to educate.

Cheers