The Chattbir Zoo apparently has yet to finish a snake enclosure. Last year they had to release 32 Sand Boas into the jungle when a mother gave birth to them and they did not have room to keep them do to the enclosure not being done. They do have one Python at the zoo but the cold winter conditions require them to move it to a veterinary hospital during the winter. Work was started on the new snake enclosure in 2008 but is still not complete. Activists filed a complaint agents the zoo claiming they were misusing funds meant to finish the enclosure and according to the zoo an inquiry by the government held up the completion of the new snake enclosure.
Category Archives: Snakes
Mother and child held captive by man with snakes
A Swedish woman and her child were held captive for hours by a man who said if they tried to leave he would unleash six green Asian pit vipers and two puff adders on them. Police were eventually able to slip in and free the woman and child and the man surrendered without incident. Animal expert Jonas Wahlstrom, director of the Skansen Aquarium collected the snakes and removed them. There were also 2 lizards found and police said the apartment had garbage all over it.
The reptile enthusiasts of Sweden need to stand up, we all need to stand up and work towards the common goal of keeping reptiles out of the hand of people like this. The vast majority of us are good honest people but there are a few who for some reason chose to do stupid things like this and put a bad light on us as a community.
I urge everyone to contact the local government in Stockholm with the contact info below and tell them a story of responsible reptile keeping.
Government Offices of Sweden Switchboard work +46 8 405 10 00
Address work Rosenbad 4
Postal address postal SE-103 33 Stockholm
New snake species discovered.
A new snake has been discovered at the Chu Mon Ray National Park in Sa Thay district, Kon Tum province in the Central Highlands
The stream snakes of the genus Opisthotropis have speciated in many of the streams to become localized endemics. There are 19 species in the genus most of which have not been researched. Most are found in China, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia but species occur from Sumatra to the Philippines.
Most probably eat fish, but a few eat crustaceans, and it seems likely that some are more aquatic than others – spending most of their lives in the water and perhaps leaving the water only to lay their eggs.
Fire Fighters rescue reptiles
Kennett Fire Fighters rescued several Alligators, Turtles and snakes from a burning truck. The truck belonged to Ken Henderson “The Alligator Man” When fire fighters arrived Ken was attempting to unload the truck and sustained burns in the process. All the animals survived and were turned over to the Humane Society. I cant help but to cringe that the HS has the animals and I honestly hope Ken gets them back. The kind of love it take to rescue your animals from a burning vehicle is the kind only found in a real reptile enthusiast. Unfortunately here at DRN we know how it works and in short order would expect the HS the attempt to levy regulations, more than they already are.
Florida Pythons recovering?
According to biologists the Pythons in Florida are recovering. Some of them expected a 50%-60% decrease in population after the cold snap in Jan 2010 but they are now saying that only 10% of the invasive snake succumbed to the cold. One cant help but wander if this is just a ploy to help them push the new ban HR511 through. Look out boys and girls, looks like they are setting up for a long fight.
Its almost Rattlesnake time again
For those of you out west the sun has been shining and the cold blooded creatures are about to wake up. Rattlesnakes are a very common sight in our area as many of the locals know. I know for a lot of people this is going to get a double take but they are beautiful, harmless creatures. They are more afraid of you than you are of them and all they want is to stay away from you. The majority of encounters that turn bad are because of someone ether cornering the snake or worse, trying to pick it up. We are fortunate enough to have an article written by author John F Taylor on the common misconception of Rattle Snakes. I encourage everyone to read and enjoy it. John’s article is both eye opening and inspiring for anyone including seasoned reptile enthusiasts. It cane be found on the Daily Reptile News Educational Articles Section.
Ball Python arrested.
32yo Xavier Blaze apparently used his baby Ball Python to threaten Police as they tried question him about noise at his home. They report that he had it around his neck and waved it in their faces. Base, a former solder has a history of mental illness for which he is seeking help for. Sentencing has been delayed until next month. I wander if the Python will get probation, what do you think?