Python kills owner...

[eyelids]

I saw this at RDR Forums...

LANESVILLE, Ind. - A 14-foot pet python crushed its owner to death, authorities said Tuesday after finding the snake loose in a southern Indiana shed with the man's body.

Patrick Von Allmen, 23, was found Monday evening in the shed near Lanesville, about 15 miles west of Louisville, Ky.

A medical examiner determined that the death was consistent with asphyxiation caused by compression of the neck and chest, said Conservation Officer Mark Farmer.

"When you're dealing with a wild animal species, you take on a certain amount of risk," he said.

Von Allmen had told family members he was going to treat the snake for a medical condition, farmer said. He was alone in the shed with the python for about three hours before his body was found.

Relatives said Von Allmen had 10 to 12 years of experience handling reptiles, according to authorities. The family got the snake as a pet five months ago, Farmer said.

Indiana law does not restrict ownership of snakes, and the python was returned to the family.

That's too bad, but like many people said on RDR, you shouldn't attempt to work with such large snakes by yourself.

Source

 

[ExcessiveHerps]

Wow truely sad, such large animals like pythons and crocs are ones I feel should have strick regulations and not so easily obtained.

 

[Nastynotch]

i think this is the story that is fallowing the ohio bann of exotic animals

 

[brandy101010]

That is very tragic. Large constrictors are very unpredictable and should not be handled while you are alone. For every 8 foot of snake there should be a person helping with handling. There should be more strict laws on keeping animals like this. anyone can go to a pet store and buy one and all they have to do is buy a 10 dollar permit throgh mail order. They are never inspected or taught proper husbandry. Now I am asumeing That this guy knew what he was doing because it says he was very experienced. If that can happen to a professional just think of what could happen to a newbee.
They are dangerous animals but if using proper precausions death from snakes are rare.