Python captured near school campus
A large python was recently apprehended in Newberry County after being sighted in the Midlands region late one evening. Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster disclosed that the serpent was snared near the Mid-Carolina school campuses. Warren Gallman, one of the individuals involved in the capture, recounted the encounter, mentioning, “I called my son over, saw its head, ensured it wasn’t aggressive, and then made my move…that’s when the struggle began.” Gallman revealed that he had been monitoring the snake’s movements for several weeks following a post on social media. The ownership of the snake and how it found its way near the school campuses remains unknown.
Sheriff Foster took to Facebook to praise the trio responsible for apprehending the python, commending them as “brave individuals and outstanding Americans.” The python will now be relocated to a new home, as Gallman confirmed that the Edisto Island Serpentarium will be the serpent’s new abode. The serpentarium corroborated this information, announcing that they are preparing to receive the python, affectionately dubbed “Nanners,” in the near future.
Sean Foley, the Curator of Herpetology at Riverbanks Zoo, noted that while pythons like “Nanners” are non-venomous, constrictors pose their own set of risks. He cautioned potential pet owners to conduct thorough research before acquiring such a snake, stating, “Many of these large pythons can exceed 20 feet in length, so it’s crucial to create the ideal conditions to accommodate a snake of that size.”
In conclusion, the recent capture of the python in Newberry County highlights the importance of vigilant community members and authorities working together to ensure the safety of residents, particularly in areas with close proximity to schools and residential neighborhoods where such exotic animals pose potential risks. The successful relocation of the python to a specialized facility underscores the significance of responsible pet ownership and the need for proper facilities to cater to the needs of large reptiles like pythons. Sean Foley’s advice serves as a reminder that despite their mesmerizing appeal, large pythons require meticulous care and dedication, making them unsuitable pets for inexperienced or ill-prepared individuals.