5-foot python abandoned in Worcester hotel

[Macropodus]

https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/04/11/foot-python-abandoned-worcester-hotel/7uPEN2GELNaQSt9Ph70RFK/story.html

[trailblazer295]

I might be a newbie giant wise but that snake looks a lot longer then just 5 ft. Must be a typo on the newspaper. Even still looks like a very expensive retic as well. Usually abandoned snakes are normal ball pythons etc. Though wasn't long ago someone let venomous snakes free in a park. A real shame no matter what.

[Tiny Boidae]

I'm surprised. The comments weren't entirely "ban this" "kill that". There was a few, but most of them were pretty subdued.

I'm glad there's a happy end for the python at least. That animal might not have survived long in the hands of someone that irresponsible. Or worse yet one day become the subject of a less optimistic article.

[TRD]

Maybe person had to leave state and couldn't find a proper home for it and not being allowed to take the snake across state borders and all...

If that is the real picture of the snake, it looks in good shape and definitely not a cheap snake. I doubt the owner was neglecting the snake, even though the decision to abandon it isnt responsible in the least. Would be nice to know the background story, some people do weird stuff when in panic-mode.

[Macropodus]

... looks a lot longer then just 5 ft. ...

Maybe person had to leave state and couldn't find a proper home for it and not being allowed to take the snake across state borders and all... If that is the real picture of the snake, it looks in good shape and definitely not a cheap snake. I doubt the owner was neglecting the snake, even though the decision to abandon it isnt responsible in the least. Would be nice to know the background story, some people do weird stuff when in panic-mode.

That photo of a Retic partially submerged in water was probably a representative of Python reticulatus for the general reading public to see, and not the specimen found in a hotel drawer.

TRD's comment ties in well with a recent USARK story which seems to indicate that the snake should be allowed to cross state borders, perhaps to prevent future occurrences of abandonment.

U.S. Court of Appeals says “We agree with ARK.” | USARK (http://usark.org/2017-blog/u-s-court-of-appeals-says-we-agree-with-ark/)

[EL Ziggy]

I understand the keeper may have been in a tough spot but they still have a responsibility to properly rehome the animal. There are plenty of animal shelters, rescues, and other keepers that could give the animal the care it needs. When people abandon animals that way I believe it reflects poorly on our hobby and contributes to the argument that leads to more regulations and bans.

[dave himself]

Why can't I ever find a retic in a hotel drawer :mad:

[Albert Clark]

I understand the keeper may have been in a tough spot but they still have a responsibility to properly rehome the animal. There are plenty of animal shelters, rescues, and other keepers that could give the animal the care it needs. When people abandon animals that way I believe it reflects poorly on our hobby and contributes to the argument that leads to more regulations and bans.

THIS ^^^^^^^^^ AND it's pretty simple to access the local Zoo and have them take In the animal. I doubt there would be a refusal from them.

[Albert Clark]

Why can't I ever find a retic in a hotel drawer :mad: dave, you are hilarious! :)

[dave himself]

dave, you are hilarious! :)

Glad I made you smile mate ;)