Fears missing python ‘could swallow a dog’
WORRIED pet owners and residents in Chilwell say they’ve been left “super super scared” after a pet python went missing.
The large yellow snake – said to be 8ft long – has now been missing for more than two days after it escaped from a house Blandford Road on Wednesday.
The Post was told by police yesterday that the python remained at large.
According to the RSPCA, most royal pythons in the UK are bred in captivity and the risk to the public and pets is low.
Their needs are the same as in the wild and they may bite under stress or if they smell food but tend to eat small rodents.
However, that has done little to allay the fears of people in the area.
Julie Tingle, 66, who is retired, said: “I’m a little bit worried as I would have thought it could swallow a dog whole.
“When I went out with my dog this morning I was watching for it. If I saw it I’d have to go as far away as possible. I expect to see a dog or squirrel but a python would give me a real fright.
“I imagine everyone just wants it caught.”
Colin Moss, 69, had similar concerns. He said: “I know it’s not supposed to be dangerous, but I would be worried if I had a cat.”
On Thursday, police urged anyone who spots the snake to get in touch.
Officers warned not to touch the snake but instead wait for the police and RSPCA to attend. Retired Rosie Moss, who is 67 and lives in Chilwell, said: “I think up to this point I’ve found it funny but it could be dangerous.
“I’m not too bothered, but if I still had my dog I would be frightened.
“I don’t get why you would keep a python as a pet.”
Bradley Walsh, 24, an au pair who lives in Chilwell, said: “I’ve heard about it. People are super super scared. “There have been a lot of Facebook posts about it all. People are possibly overreacting a little bit because a python is not what a
lot of people would see as a pet.
“But I think the owner will also be worried, people are scared of it because they don’t know much about it and it’s unusual.”
Ann Birkin, 60, from Chilwell, added: “When I was told about it I was taken aback.
“It’s just not something you would expect to encounter.
“I know they’ve said it’s not a danger but I won’t be taking any chances, I’m going to avoid the woodland and just walk on the path.
“I hope it’s caught soon, I’m not a big fan of snakes unless they are behind glass.”
I’m going to avoid the woodland and just walk on the path ... I hope it’s caught soon, I’m not a big fan of snakes unless they are behind glass
Ann Birkin