Python kills zookeeper

[Dinotoyforum]

news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7582702.stm

[richard]

stupid person I mean poor man but he did not act as he should have

[crazycrowman]

Unfortunate.

Probably what us snake keepers refer to as a "SFE" - stupid feeding error. www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/2206/sfe.html

When a snake like that is not accustomed to being handled, and especially gets used to being fed by hand, especially if fed live prey, the animal will hit the first warm thing it "sees" (or smells and detects with its facial pits) and attempt to put it on the menu. And with such a large snake, if you are not careful...well... I am sure that zoo policy would not have let one person handle a snake like that, especially at night when it would be most likely to be "on the prowl". Most of the times large snakes (and venomous snakes, for that matter) at zoological facilaties are only handled for any reason with a "spotter", so if the animal is mis read and does constrict, the other person can help remove the snake, or at least call for help to do the same.

"The young man underestimated the animal's instinct," Is a little...well, one sided that snakes are little more then absolute killers. Granted, snakes are rather primitive creatures in regards to any sort of social behavior, but IMHO this actually rather predictable animals. They really do have easy to read body language before they act. I find them alot easier to work with then birds, as there is alot less variability in what is going to "set one off".

[Tyrannax]

Yes, reptiles have light switch minds...its either mating, hunting, or just a docile "hanging-out" behavior. The only time I got bit by a snake was when a water snake got under my bed.....I grabbed him and he bit me and drew blood. It didn't hurt, but I was embarrassed

Also, I was feeding my youngest bearded dragon s'mores some collard greens when he misjudged his bite and bit my finger too. Strooooong bite and he didn't even mean to! Imagine if he did....I mean he has some sharp teeth, but he's the sweetest animal you will ever meet. I love lizards...I'd have to say I love lizards much more then any other animals..they are so incredible. Does anyone else share a passion for lizards like me?

[[][][]cordylus[][][]]

I hope they don't hurt the snake!

[EmperorDinobot]

EN EL PARQUE DEL ESTE?!

OMG!!!I used to go there when I was a kid often!!!! HOLY CRAP!!! HOLY F'ING CRAP?!?!

Aug 28, 2008 22:54:17 GMT [][][]cordylus[][][] said:

I hope they don't hurt the snake!

Alas, your lack of compassion for your fellow species makes me wonder whether you yourself are a snake.

That poor man may have been a cousin of mine. Animals who kill men need to be eliminated.

[stoneage]

When the zoo keeper handled the snake he knew it was a snake. He didn't handle it properly and the snake killed him. This is an unfortunate accident, but its not the snakes fault. The snake was just being a snake.

[sid]

Poor man,really...But i also hope that snake doesn't get hurt,even if he's done what he did he's just an animal and he do NOT deserve to be punished

[EmperorDinobot]

Knowing these people...the snake's probably dead now.

Or on the loose, hunting for little children who live in the slums.