Origin of story

[Syphon]

Does anyone actually know the origin of the story about that woman with the boa or python that stopped eating and the vet told her it was “sizing her up” to eat her?? I know that it’s complete bull crap but does anyone actually know where the story came from??

[ClockwerkBonnet]

I've only heard that story in the form of a riddle, but captive boas/pythons can and sometimes do try to eat their owners. They will "size up" their potential prey and then eventually constrict their humans. That nearly happened to a small child about 10 years ago, but his mother was there to save him.

I understand this may not be exactly the answer you were looking for; I'm just trying to help.