I'm heartbroken for the children and their family, but I'm with the not quite convinced group so far. I kept three 13-14' burms at one point in my life, and though I think they would be plausibly capable of constricting a child to death, I just can't envision a scenario where they could constrict two children at once without anyone noticing, (or even that they would consider a human as food). I had a rare event last night which reinforced that skepticism; I got nailed by my male cinny last night while feeding, (he's a very aggressive feeder, knew it was feeding time and struck as soon as his tub was opened). What got me thinking though was his reaction......after hitting my hand he didn't attempt to constrict at all, he immediately seemed to realize he didn't have a mouse in his mouth and actually freaked out and tried to run away. He instantly ran to the dark end of the cage, rolled up in a ball and refused to feed after previously being in a very aggressive feeding mode, (he calmed down later and fed). Point being he knew he didn't have his usual meal in his mouth and retreated, something I think would be a normal reaction for any python. I know, I know, the kids smelled like farm animals, etc, etc......but I still can't quite get my head around it.....if true it was a very rare, unusual and aberrant incident. As Paul Harvey used to say; I can't wait to hear "the rest of the story". Of course, no matter what the truth turns out to be the damage to our hobby has been done, and prejudice against it will likely increase.

S