Thursday, February 28, 2008
A Snake Bites Dog Story
Python stalked, then ate family dog .
That's why we keep our boas in locked cages. Let's face it, a "silky terrier-Chihuahua crossbreed" is not a creation destined to thrive in a Darwinian contest.
UPDATE: some speculation about tougher breeds in the comments. Once bitten, I don't like anyone's chance against a large snake (without armed assistance). Their constricting strength is not to be believed, and they can withstand amazing amounts of injury while squeezing the life out of their prey. There is an outfit in Wanaque NJ that takes in abandoned reptiles and uses them for animal shows. They have a Burmese Python in their care that bit and constricted its owner's arm, having not been fed for 7 months. He stabbed it with a carving knife over 1000 times and still couldn't get it off*. The snake's name is Slash, of course.
Here's an interesting tip that you will probably never use. If you are trying to remove a constricting snake, pull from the tail first. You'll never get them to budge from the head.
*I didn't say they were smart, just mighty, tough and persistent.
9 Comments:
By 
, at
Thu Feb 28, 11:27:00 AM:
KHmmm why you should never ever have a big snake and a small dog the sanke will call it a appatizer
By , at
Thu Feb 28, 11:38:00 AM:
If you have to protect it from muskie, hawks or pythons, it is not a real dog. The rare exception are the small dogs like that brave Jack Russel terrier that took on two pit bulls and saved a bunch of children. Small dogs like that get honorary real dog status.
By 
Christopher Chambers, at
Thu Feb 28, 11:51:00 AM:
You used the "D" word. Be careful--you might be declared another traitor to the cause on Cunningham's or Rush's show.
Check out that special on the Discovery Channel about the world after humans. These little dogs would be the first to die off, indeed quickly, as they would literally be locked in our homes with rotting food and starve long before they were killed by other animals or died of disease, etc. Jeez, it's either these bizarre lap dog cross breeds, or lumbering, dumb retriever-types. Give me a German Shepherd who only understands harsh German commands. Or an Akita who barks at Samurai poetry. Now that will give a python pause...
By Purple Avenger, at
Thu Feb 28, 07:03:00 PM:
Happens all the time in south Florida now. Over the years, the "released pet" Boas/Pythons/Anacondas have become breeding populations and wildlife management officers are shooting them on sight now rather than looking for placements.
By AmPowerBlog, at
Thu Feb 28, 09:56:00 PM:
"Let's face it, a "silky terrier-Chihuahua crossbreed" is not a creation destined to thrive in a Darwinian contest."
That pretty much says it, but geez, those snakes are huge. It's lucky the kids weren't had for apperatifs!
By , at
Thu Feb 28, 10:16:00 PM:
During WW II my Dad's squadron mascot was a boa constrictor. When pilots from other units flew into their field, my Dad and others would hose the snake down with cold water so that it would be sluggish. When the other pilots arrived at the ready room they would see guys playing with the snake.
Of course, the visiting pilots would have to prove themselves and play with the snake. The home team would play with the snake until they could feel it warming up. Then they would pass if off to the visiting pilots. After one or two more guys handled it, the boa would warm up and really wrap around a visiting pilot causing a huge commotion. It was then time to douse pilot and snake with the fire hose and have a good laugh.
Dave
By , at
Fri Feb 29, 12:40:00 AM:
Owners of grown up Burmese pythons need to find a good supply of goats. I used to have one. And even tiny, they are freakishly strong. They're basically one big muscle.
Once one is over 6 feet or so, I wouldn't go near it without a buddy. I'm serious -- it's pretty much standard operating procedure to not go near a burm (or other hugely strong big snakes) without someone else there.
They are dumb as rocks, blind and pretty much deaf. They could love you to death, and you're still in a lot of danger.
Also, to remove a snake, just put some sort of alcohol near it's face. (like squirt it in the mouth or something with some vodka). Works just about every time. And yes, you do keep it near. ;)
By Andrew Hofer, at
Fri Feb 29, 09:16:00 AM:
I had a burm when I was a kid. I don't think my parents realized what it was when they let me bring the tiny charmer home. I sold it when it was about 7 feet long. In those days they weren't captive bred, so they had some value grown.
I used to go to the reptile shows in Pennsylvania and watch people go home with their cute little retic babies that fit in a tupperware container...
That's why I have only boas. Big, but manageable, and no known fatalities. And amazingly beautiful.
By , at
Sat Mar 01, 03:13:00 PM:
We have plenty of ads when small dogs disappear and its mostly mountian lions and coyotes that are eating them
