Wow that is gnarly! Thats seriously rediculous that the person didn't see the prey chewing the crap out of their snake! What a jackass. I'd like to use stronger terms but I'll keep it nice. Even though they don't deserve it. I agree that feeding live is totally harmless unless you are that owner. You'll get a scratch or even a bite here or there. But that's really nothing. I have 41 balls and everyone gets live. I do the same drop, shut tub, drop. Except at my house its like thud, rat scream, shut tub. With even a novice pet owner. If the snake doesn't eat it take it out. Takes two min. That takes a long time of chewing. That's just awful. Seriously.