This dramatic moment involving a guinea pig, python, and little girl was all captured by the family’s security camera. Had it not been caught on tape, you might not have believed what happened: this girl swings a python like a hammer thrower to save her furry family member.
Seconds to Act
The little girl, Rosie, says that she usually lets her guinea pig, Maxibon, out to play in the fresh air outside. On this day, though, Rosie stepped outside and then heard a heartwrenching squeal. She looks over and she sees Maxibon’s head covered by a spade. When she lifts up the spade, she realizes that the reason behind his squeal: a python is trying to eat him.
The Swing Heard Around the World
As any pet owner would understand, Rosie acted quickly and instinctively to save her beloved pet. She lifts up the spade, grabs a hold of the python and starts swinging it like a hammer thrower in an attempt make it let go of Maxibon.
Dad Intervenes at the Last Second
Her dad is the first to hear the commission that’s going on in the garden and rushes to the scene. Heroically, he manages to get the python to let go of Maxibon and throw the snake away before any further harm is done.
Minor Injuries But a Huge Story to Tell
Maxibon miraculously survived and only walked away with a few scratches that the snake had inflicted with its teeth. Both the guinea pig and Rosie has since become viral sensations, with crowds applauding this little girl’s brave actions.
Understanding Pythons: An Introduction
Pythons are non-venomous constrictors found in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Australia, famous for their method of killing prey by coiling around it and causing suffocation.
The Size of the Problem
The largest species of python, the reticulated python, can grow over 20 feet long and weigh more than 200 pounds, making them some of the largest snakes in the world.
Dietary Habits of Giants
Pythons are known for their ability to eat prey much larger than themselves, including deer and alligators, thanks to their stretchable jaws and robust digestive systems. But like the video shows, they’ll gladly snack on a little guinea pig too.
Reproduction: A Prolific Breeder
Female pythons are oviparous, laying up to 100 eggs at a time. They are unique among snakes for their maternal care, as they incubate their eggs until they hatch.
Thermal Vision: Seeing the Unseen
Pythons have heat-sensing pits along their lips, which allow them to detect warm-blooded prey even in complete darkness, providing them with a critical advantage as nocturnal hunters.
Lifespan in the Wild vs. Captivity
While pythons can live up to 20 years in the wild, in captivity, with proper care, they can live even longer, sometimes surpassing 30 years.
Can Pythons Climb Trees?
Yes, many python species are excellent climbers. Younger and smaller pythons especially use trees both for shelter and to ambush prey from above.
The Shedding Process Explained
Image via Pixabay
Like all snakes, pythons undergo a process called ecdysis, or shedding their skin, which allows them to remove parasites and grow. They typically shed several times a year.
Python Speed: Slower Than You Think
Despite their fearsome reputation, pythons are not particularly fast movers. On the ground, they can only reach speeds of about 1 mph.
The Python’s Role in Its Habitat
In their natural habitats, pythons play a critical role in controlling the populations of various prey species, thus maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
Python Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction
Contrary to popular myth, pythons do not size up their human owners or prey by lying beside them. This is a complete misunderstanding of their behavior.
How Do Pythons Handle Cold Weather?
Pythons are cold-blooded and thrive in warm environments but struggle in colder temperatures, which can slow their metabolism drastically, making winter months challenging for them in non-tropical climates.
The Sensitivity of Python Skin
Python skin is covered with scales that contain a rich network of nerves, making it highly sensitive. This sensitivity helps them detect pressure changes and potential threats.
Python Conservation: A Double-Edged Sword
Image by Tomáš Malík https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-reticulated-python-1660997/
While invasive in places like Florida, many python species are threatened in their native habitats due to habitat loss and hunting for their skin and meat.
How Often Does a Python Have to Eat?
Pythons do not require frequent feeding as their metabolism is quite slow. Generally, adult pythons may eat once every 1 to 2 weeks, while younger, faster-growing snakes might eat once a week. Their diet typically consists of appropriately sized prey, depending on the python’s size.
Girl Swings Python: Conclusion
This story only adds to Australia’s reputation as the wild outback, with snakes lurking around every corner. While this is definitely a bold exaggeration, it does serve as a reminder to keep your eyes open if you have a garden in Australia – and especially if you’re letting your pet out to play.
Thank you for reading this story about the girl who swings a python like a hammer thrower to save her guinea pig! Read more nail-biting rescue stories here:
- Baby Orangutan Rescued 8 Years Ago Is Finally Ready For Release
- Traumatized Mother Cat and Her Kittens Finally Rescued from Cage
- Fearless Kentucky Woman Saves Bald Eagle
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