ELLETTSVILLE - When Ellettsville resident Bob Jones stepped out to mow his lawn this weekend, a surprise find on his back porch put an end to all thoughts of lawn care.

Lying on Jones' porch was a long yellow-and-white snake that he immediately determined was not common in the area. Animal control experts were called in, and now the snake rests in the Bloomington Animal Shelter.

"We believe that it is an albino Burmese python," said Denise Travers, director of Bloomington Animal Care and Control. "There are a few other possibilities, and we don't have a herpetologist on staff, but using the identification books, we are guessing that's what it is."

Travers said she does not know the exact length of the reptile, as it has remained coiled during its stay at the shelter, but she said it is certainly more than 6 feet long and estimates it could be as long as 8 feet.

"It's certainly not a native species to Indiana," she said with a laugh.

Travers said the exotic snake could have been obtained through the Internet, which she said has widened the market for exotic animals.

"I think someone probably paid a pretty penny for this snake," she said.

According to various Internet pet stores, the average price for an adult albino Burmese python runs between $200 and $300.

The snake will not remain at the Bloomington shelter for long, Travers said. It will be moved to a facility specializing in reptile care as soon as possible.

"It caused quite a stir when we brought it in," she said. "We aren't really equipped for a snake of this size."

Travers said they have had no trouble dealing with the snake, despite its rather hostile appearance.

"There are times when you look at it and say, 'Gosh, I'm glad that's behind glass.' It's a pretty intimidating snake," Travers said.

In July of 2001, a 12-foot long Burmese python was discovered in Yellowwood State Forest. It was later reclaimed by its owner.

Travers said the shelter is not expecting to have to feed the snake before it is taken by another facility.

"It's still working on digesting its last meal," she said. "We're not positive what it ate, but it's about the size of a wild rabbit. They don't have to eat every day. We'll give it fresh water and make sure the temperature is right, and then we'll send it on its way."

The python is not the only unusual resident of the shelter. Travers said the shelter is currently home to a domesticated turkey. The turkey's name is Sippi, and - unlike the python - she is available for adoption.

"A boy raised her from an egg, and she's quite domesticated," she said. "She just loves to be held, and she'll fall asleep in your arms. She's very cute."

A FarShores thanks to Michael Newton
for forwarding this report

• Story originally published by:
Bloomington Herald-Times / IN | Michael Koryta - Aug 13.02

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