News: 2 die in rock python attack

[Rickys_Reptiles]

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

You did well. I for one am proud of you

[DestinyLynette]

You did well. I for one am proud of you

^ ditto! I admire you for keeping your cool. I struggle not to get tongue-tied, and I was just teaching 2nd graders about snakes Cameras regarding a huge case? I'd be a sweaty, twitching wreck ha ha. You gave great information, I hope ALL of it goes through!

[Bluebonnet Herp]

Unfortunately, this is what your interview will probably evolve into.

"African Rock Pythons, Python sebae, are typically aggressive in wild caught individuals, or captive bred specimens who receive little to no handling." Said snake expert, Cody Conway.

"African [pythons] 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 [snakes] 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," he continued. African rock pythons, along with Burmese pythons, are known to be invasive in the state of Florida. Florida citizens became even more worried when fear sparked that hybrids of the two could become larger and more aggressive. "Florida basically forbids them from ownership outside of snakes that were already owned prior to the laws being placed."
Recently, Ohio has passed stricter legislation after a man released exotic tigers, lions, and bears before killing himself.
"Ohio requires very strict insurance to be purchased as well as permits."

"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," said Cody Conway. He went on to state "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. It is a dangerous moment for the keeper"
Pythons are also known for their ability to take down large prey items. In the wild, these animals will typically eat small antelope. A Burmese python was found with a deer in its stomach. A photo of a Burmese python that exploded after eating swallowing an alligator has been posted on the internet.
"Food for an adult will range from 3-8 pound rabbits, or a few adult chickens, or even pigs" he went on to say.

Pythons "from wild caught origin are known for their extremely aggressive behavior."
"A snake that is left in its cage with feeding being the only interaction it receives, will typically stay on the aggressive side."

Who knew being a journalist could be so easy? Expose a few bad facts, make it scary, and then get rich from advertisement revenue.

[eatgoodfood]

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

In no way was I trying to downplay or make it bad what you said, I hope you did not take it that way. I appreciate you for taking your time to try and educate. I was just pointing out what I fear they might do. We can always hope for the best!

[DestinyLynette]

Where will the autopsies be released? What site should we be watching?

[Diamond Serpents]

This is why I don't ever watch the news or read the paper and I stick to Cartoons and Comic books with my kids. 5 and 7 this just made me think of my two boys so I quit reading it after the age.


A whole life was ahead of them and it got robbed from them, my heart goes out to the two boys families.

[Bluebonnet Herp]

Where will the autopsies be released? What site should we be watching?

They were released and they found bite marks.

[CrystalRose]

I just got off the phone with a friend of mine who kept insisting I need to get rid of my snakes before they kill me in my sleep,or eat my dog. Yeah,ok. I found an article that has a picture of the two boys and talks about the "pet store/zoo" that owned the python. It said there was an online petition to shut the store down even before this incident because the animals were not being cared for. I feel for the family of those boys however they died they were way too young.

http://www.torontosun.com/2013/08/05...-new-brunswick

[hig]

There are laws in Canada restricting exotic pets. You must have a permit to have that kind of snake or any large snake (or a lion or tiger or bear oh my) in the province of NB. The snake is question was not a pet, it was a zoo animal. Why are kids allowed sleeping at a zoo?

[Rickys_Reptiles]

They were released and they found bite marks.

Anything else? Crushed bones? Internal bleeding? bruising?