13-Foot Cat-Eating Python Shakes Oklahoma Community

In a quiet trailer park in Oklahoma, residents were shocked to discover a huge python lurking among them. The snake, which grew to an impressive 13 feet, made the area its home and hunting ground. The massive 13-foot albino reptile was found wreaking havoc, snatching pet cats in the area, and devouring them. The felines were easy targets for food. The python was on a feline feeding frenzy until residents began finding their beloved pets missing.

How it all began

An interesting event occurred in 2023 when residents of Burntwood Mobile Home Park, Oklahoma City, began finding their pet cats missing. It seemed the cats were vanishing without a trace, leading to growing concern and fear.

The mysterious disappearances

Initially, the missing cats were a mystery. People thought they might have run away or fallen prey to other wildlife; many were heartbroken. Yet none could have guessed; it was a python feasting on their kitties.

The python first foraged on smaller prey

The python wasn’t very large when it first wandered into the Oklahoma Trailer park. Initially, it foraged for food, satisfying itself with opossums and rats. After tasting its first feline, the python grew smarter at finding larger prey which was when the cats began disappearing one by one. Although the reptile had chosen an unusual place to settle down, it soon grew comfy at the steady source of exotic food. For the community, however, it was a dangerous development.

The first sighting

The first sighting of the python in October was terrifying for those who encountered it. Witnesses described it as a huge, imposing creature that seemed almost unreal in its size and presence. One couldn’t blame them for the ensuing panic and fear; after all, it isn’t every day that one sees a giant python slithering in a domestic area. As news of the python spread, the community reacted with a mix of fear and fascination. While some were scared for their safety, others were curious about the unusual resident.

It doubled in size

Within five months of living in the trailer park, the python had doubled in size due to its diet. Over time, it grew larger and more confident. Feeding on neighbourhood pets allowed them to thrive, becoming a more significant threat to the trailer park residents.

Local authorities step in

The situation eventually caught the attention of local authorities. Animal expert Trevor Bounds of Red Beard Wildlife Control was brought in to help capture the reptile. After investigations, Bounds deducted the snake was a yellow reticulated python around 13 feet long. According to Bounds, the python had been living in the area for five months and was responsible for the disappearing cats.

The capture plan

To capture the python, Bounds and a team of animal experts devised a plan to capture the python. This involved setting traps and using specialized equipment to remove the snake from the area safely. Scouring the area for signs of the python’s den, Bounds zeroed in on a secluded spot below one of the houses at the park. The presence of decaying animal carcasses, especially cats, proved it was indeed the python’s home.

The big capture

For the first few days, the reptile remained elusive and in hiding. A sniffer dog was also brought in to find the snake. After several attempts, the python was finally captured. The operation was a success, and the snake was removed from the trailer park, much to the relief of the residents. Following the capture, the trailer park slowly returned to normal. Residents heaved sighs of relief, knowing they were safe from the predator.

The python’s new home

As for the python, its gourmet vacation over, it was relocated to a more suitable environment. Wildlife experts ensured it was placed in a habitat where it could live without posing a danger to people or pets.

What are Reticulated Pythons?

Reticulated pythons, native to Southeast Asia, are found in countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. They’re also bred in captivity in the U.S. and have become popular with reptile enthusiasts over the past 30 years. These snakes are part of the Pythonidae family, which includes Burmese pythons, ball pythons, and green tree pythons.

They come in different colors

The most common colors of a reticulated python are olive green, black, white, tan, yellow, gold, and brown. Albino pythons lack the usual pigmentation and are often seen in white or yellow, making them beautiful to look at.

They are one of the longest species of snakes

Though not the heaviest, reticulated pythons are among the longest snakes, reaching up to 33 feet. The longest ever recorded was 32.8 feet in 1912. The longest one in captivity was a Kansas City snake named Medusa, who was about 25 feet long and weighed 350 pounds.

They are master predators

In the wild, these nocturnal snakes hunt various prey, from reptiles to small mammals and birds. Larger pythons can even take down pigs, primates, and deer. They are ambush predators, lying in wait and striking when their prey gets close.

Masters of Camouflage

Reticulated pythons have a series of irregular diamond shapes on their skin, surrounded by smaller markings. Their colors range from olive green, black, white, tan, yellow, and gold to brown, helping them blend into their surroundings as they wait for prey.

They love water

On land, reticulated pythons move slowly and conserve energy, but in water, they are strong swimmers. They are often found near bodies of water like streams and lakes and have even been reported far out at sea, colonizing distant islands.

What is the difference between a Burmese python and a reticulated python?

Burmese pythons have lighter colors than reticulated pythons. While Burmese pythons are native to eastern India through Vietnam and southern China, reticulated pythons are found in Southeast Asia, Indochina, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Reticulated pythons generally grow to 10-20 feet.

Burmese pythons are an invasive species in Florida

Burmese pythons have established a breeding population in South Florida, becoming a major invasive species. They compete with native wildlife for food, which includes mammals, birds, and reptiles, and are decimating smaller wildlife in the Everglades.

Can you keep a reticulated python as a pet?

Reticulated pythons can make great pets due to their tamable nature and colorful geometric patterns. They can live for 20 years or more. However, potential owners must consider the space and care requirements for a fully-grown python.

What happens if a reticulated python bites you?

A bite from a reticulated python is painful and can cause significant damage due to their sharp, backwards-facing teeth. The risk of infection is a major concern, leading to bruising, swelling, and inflammation. Immediate medical attention is necessary.

What do you think? Should exotic pet owners be more responsible for their pets like this one that escaped? Should there be a stricter legislation on keeping such pets that could pose a danger to communities? Watch the video and give us your opinion in the comments below, we would appreciate knowing what you think.

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