Python Problems

[jpvw1]

Could anybody help please? I have just bought a new house, and on first visit I found one occupant already there. According to Petshops around they say it is a African Rock Python. According to the Net I am in for a whole lot of trouble if I keep him. My new friend is about 2.5 meters long, and not to friendly. I would not really like to keep him/her, but is also not the type of person that kills wild animals. Any suggestions.

[warbot]

Get someone in the area from the forum to come and remove the animal for you and relocate it, and you are relieved from the beautiful cranky animal and it will be released into a new and safe habitat.

And welcome to SAReptiles, hope you like it here

Afrocks have been known to be a bit feisty

[mgiddings]

Hello, can you tell us what area you are in? I am sure someone could come relocate it for you. It could only really be an african rock python if it that size. I take it is a large, heavy bodied snake?


Well done for not killing it, just state your area and I am sure someone can help you.

[jpvw1]

Thanks
I am from Vereeniging. Not supposed to be the natural habitat for my friend. She/he is so friendly, I was considering leaving the house to her. I've been given some scary advise from friends and foe, and not sure who to trust. Can I get into trouble with the law for this. She/he is big, but I am not prepared to measure her. She eats like a hooligan.

[Bushviper]

So was she in a cage? That could get you into a fair bit of trouble. She is not from the neighbourhood for sure and releasing her would be a criminal offense as well as a potential ecological disaster.

Rather contact Nature Conservation and explain the situation and they can come fetch her and make her available for research or donate her to one of the zoos. If you phone them and explain how she came to be in your possession they will not prosecute you.

[Boesman]

It sound to me like a wild one that went into your new house and cant get out?or is it in a cage?
Also is she very skinny or healthy and fat?

[jpvw1]

Sorry for the late reply. I found her in the yard, not in a cage. I have a contractor company renovating the house, who refused to work while she was there. I had to catch her and remove her, not an easy task. She is now in a 8 ft glass fish tank at my current house. This is also were I have been feeding her. She eats well and seems healthy, but I still do not think it is a good idea to keep her.

[martinshaun]

fishy ?

[Bernice]

You are right about the trouble if you keep him/her... they are classed as a threatened or protected species (TOPS) and need a permit and 5 miles of bureaucratic red tape before you are technically aloud to LOOK at them...

Afrocks can have VERY bad tempers... I think the best is to get a member out there and relocate that baby for you... Vereeniging is a bit far for me to go... I live in Pretoria... but Im sure you can come right with someone here!

Please let us know if you come right! and pictures of your unwitting housemate would be appreciated

[jpvw1]

No,no not a fishy it is a snaky. Thanks for concern bernice. I have been contacted by one of the members who also stays in Vereeniging, he said that he might be able to help. I will take some pictures tonight and post it tomorrow.

[Warren Klein]

I say you should listen to BV's advice and call nature conservation to fetch the python. The snake is not from the area and who knows where it originally came from so you can not just relocate it any where you think would be best. The snake should go to a zoo or similar facility if you do not know its place of origin.

[Bernice]

Herphabitat has a point... It would be best to contact natcon...

Im just a bit jaded as to SOME (please note I said SOME, not all! just a few crazy individuals who give their profession a bad name) natcon officials... heard too often that snakes that get handed over end up dead!

I only hope the natcon guys that get involved on that side aren't clueless, and don't end up just shooting the poor snake...

[jpvw1]

HI all

Thanks for all the help so far. I have been contacted by a couple of members who has offered to help, and will see how it pans out. I have attached a picture of my "friend". Please confirm/identify her for me?

[Bernice]

Yup... afrock

Seems to be in pretty good body condition too