9/6/11 Rittman PD bags a python

  • By Nick Sabo
  • September 6, 2011
  • 326
                        
SUMMARY: Snake turned over to Wadsworth snake enthusiast A python that settled into a woodpile in Rittman has a new home after police safely trapped it. Rittman Police Sgt. Bob shows said the five-foot long python was reported Sunday Sept. 4 by a resident, who spotted it in a woodpile on their property. It was placed with a Wadsworth exotic animal enthusiast who helped police trap the reptile. “The python was probably an escape or, more likely, someone turned it loose,” Shows said. “Often, when people have an exotic pet they can’t care for any more, they just let it go into the wild.” Shows said two part-time officers responded to the call and were assisted in trapping the python by a Wadsworth man who owns and cares for several exotic snakes. Shows said the officers dislike snakes and had a bit of a difficult time. “These two officers, I would definitely not call them snake enthusiasts,” Shows said. “However, they did their job and saw it through. We are to commend them for it.” Shows said that while pythons kill their prey through constriction, they also bite. The python’s hook-shaped teeth are designed to hold their prey as it is constricted. Shows noted that pythons are not native to Ohio, and there are no native north-western Ohio snakes that are poisonous. However, if someone sees a snake, it’s best to leave it alone. “They don’t want to be around you anymore than you want to be around them,” Shows said. “If you see a snake, let it go.” Non-native snakes that appear dangerous should be reported, Shows said. A picture of the snake can be seen at the Rittman Police Facebook site, www.facebook.com/rittmanpolice


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