Need help on catching Ball Python lost for 2 years

[slither9192]

If you could take a pic of the shed skin that would help us figure out wether it is a BP or another (more dangerous) snake. You should be able to tell just by the pattern on the shed.

[littleindiangirl]

stratman, thats very exciting...if in fact this is your long lost buddy, make sure to post pics of him when you get him back.

i would start by putting a small, short, open tank with mice in it overnight and see if they start disappearing. maybe just a few so he doesnt get a full belly. do this once a week like clockwork. if they start to disappear like clockwork, then you have the correct night to look for him. its been two years...another month of getting him to get used to feeding out of your tank shouldnt be a lengthy process.

and of course if you have a wildlife night camera that takes pictures of movement, this could help you identify what it is. just block the camera from taking pictures of the mice all night.

But what if it's another creature eating them? Like an OWL! He could be sitting outside, waiting for a snake to come out and an owl flies into his head!! *Silent kamikaze pilot!!*

[Jakob]

But what if it's another creature eating them? Like an OWL! He could be sitting outside, waiting for a snake to come out and an owl flies into his head!! *Silent kamikaze pilot!!*

hahaha, littleindiangirl, when you have children your kids will be clutching their sheets and pillows at bed time stories.

[littleindiangirl]

hahaha, littleindiangirl, when you have children your kids will be clutching their sheets and pillows at bed time stories.

LOL very true.

[Mike Schultz]

I found a cottonmouth shed today while on my bike ride (I always stop by the side of the creek where I find lots of snakes)

It had huge scales, and many fewer, than a ball python, while being just as fat.

I hope this helps in determining what kind of snake left the shed!

[Mike Cavanaugh]

Here is an idea.... dig a hole near the hole under the deck. Put a glass tank in the hole. make it so the top of the tank is 5 inches or so above the surface. put a rat in the glass tank.... one small enough that isn't easily able to jump out. put a UTH under one side of the tank, and a good hide inside the tank. Check it first thing in the morning. Maybe, just maybe he will go in the tank to get eat, then go into the nice warm hide. Now don't just stick your hand in there to see what kind of snake it is! use a long stick or something to flip over the hide!

Do you have, or can you borrow a video camera? If so, set up video servalence! Whatever it is, you want to catch it!

[Jakob]

Here is an idea.... dig a hole near the hole under the deck. Put a glass tank in the hole. make it so the top of the tank is 5 inches or so above the surface. put a rat in the glass tank.... one small enough that isn't easily able to jump out. put a UTH under one side of the tank, and a good hide inside the tank. Check it first thing in the morning. Maybe, just maybe he will go in the tank to get eat, then go into the nice warm hide. Now don't just stick your hand in there to see what kind of snake it is! use a long stick or something to flip over the hide!

Do you have, or can you borrow a video camera? If so, set up video servalence! Whatever it is, you want to catch it!

that is a DAMN good idea. what cold blooded creature could resist a heat spot on a cool night? good brains mcavana!

[Mike Cavanaugh]

stratman, thats very exciting...if in fact this is your long lost buddy, make sure to post pics of him when you get him back.

i would start by putting a small, short, open tank with mice in it overnight and see if they start disappearing. maybe just a few so he doesnt get a full belly. do this once a week like clockwork. if they start to disappear like clockwork, then you have the correct night to look for him. its been two years...another month of getting him to get used to feeding out of your tank shouldnt be a lengthy process.

and of course if you have a wildlife night camera that takes pictures of movement, this could help you identify what it is. just block the camera from taking pictures of the mice all night.

That is crazy!!! LMAO! I didn't see this reply until this morning!!! LOL, I guess great minds think alike!

[Jakob]

That is crazy!!! LMAO! I didn't see this reply until this morning!!! LOL, I guess great minds think alike!

i was only a part of the way. putting an under the tank heater is brilliant for getting the snake to find himself comfortable with staying there. i hope he finds...SOMETHING!