Loggers find Burmese python...in the Ozarks...

This week, a couple of guys going out to cut wood in the forest, found a very dead "14 ft" (probably closer to 12) Burmese python. Although the animal was very well preserved, it has probably been dead for months. The only animals that might have eaten on the carcass are all hibernating.

Of course all the media could do was say "glad it's dead", "wouldn't want my kids finding that", "yikes!" And the finder said he'd might make a few pair of boots from it.

Now if this were a farm and fuzzy puppy, found starving in the forest, the media would be all over that saying how cruel, and who could do such a thing, etc. And the local public would be sending donations to help the animal, and there would be dozens of people wanting to rehome the animal.

We, as snake breeders/sellers, aspiring herpetologists, or just pet keepers, need to take more responsibility on the future of our animals. If we do sell a puppy, or kitten, or horse, we want to think they'll get the best possible home, and live there forever. And the people obtaining these animals, we assume, know how to take care of them. Do we do the same for reptile owners?

Since widespread reptile ownership is a relatively new endeavor, we cannot assume the new owner knows what he or she is doing. Do they know about how big the animal will grow? Do they know what it will eat, where, when and how often? Do they know its housing requirements, especially when it comes to heating. Do they know if there is a vet that can care for it? And if they give up ownership, do they know somewhere the animal can be rehoused, properly, safely, effectively?

This python did not have to die. Or, if it did, then how about humane euthanization? Not left out in the wild, at a time of year when it would surely die, and leave a carcass that scares the local population, and gives reptiles yet another black mark against their ownership.

If you know of anyone involved in this sort of practice, you are as guilty as the owner, for negligence and cruelty, and not doing the right thing and speaking out for the animal.