Sep 6, 2009 11:31 pm US/Pacific
Huge Python Found In Placer County
PLACER COUNTY, Calif. (CBS13) ―
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The eight-foot-long reticulate python is not native to California, or even to North America.
CBS
A large, exotic predator was found on the side of a Placer County road Sunday afternoon, prompting calls to police and animal control officials as drivers stopped to gawk at the creature that is not native to California or even North America.
Sgt. Brian Silva of the Placer County Sheriff's Department was called out to help corral the eight-foot reticulate python that bystanders found along the side of the road Sunday afternoon. Animal control officials said the snake was likely someone's pet and became too expensive to be cared for, prompting the owners to dump it.
"We do not want exotic, non-indigenous animals dumped anywhere in California, let alone Placer County," said Officer Steve McNalley with Placer County Animal Services. "The snake could be a threat to domestic animals and to people, depending on how hungry it was."
Reptile experts say this type of snake costs about $7-$10 a week to feed, and was found in malnourished condition.
The snake will be kept at American River Reptiles in Auburn until they can find the animal a new home.
"These can be good pets. This particular one seems to be pretty tame," said Robert Eissell from American River Reptiles. "It's quite a shame that somebody would dump it."
Experts say owners who find they can't care for their snakes should contact a local reptile store or animal control.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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