18 yr old girl plus 14 ft python equals?

[gunsmith]

http://www.tampabays10.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=46298

14-foot Python attacks handler during show in Tarpon Springs

Tarpon Springs, Florida - Tarpon Springs Police officers say a 14-foot Burmese Python attacked a female handler at the Tarpon Springs Aquarium this afternoon.

Officers arrived at the facility just before 2:00 p.m. at 848 Dodecanese Boulevard at the west end of the sponge dock tourist area.

They say the beast, named Chloe, attacked 18-year-old Alison Cobianchi of Holiday during a show.

Cobianchi was supposed to remove the snake from its cage and talk about the animal. Today, the snake became aggressive, wrapped itself around her arm and waist and bit her on the right hand.

A manager and another handler tried to separate the snake from Cobianchi as she was being pulled into its cage. People in the show also tried to help and were unable to get her free.

An officer deployed his Taser on the snake. After a few seconds, Chloe released her grasp and allowed Cobianchi to get free. The Python then  retreated to her cage. The victim was treated by paramedics and taken to Helen Ellis Hospital for treatment.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission will investigate

[Perd Hapley]

This is going to get ugly.   

[esheato]

I can't say I've ever wondered what a Taser would do to a giant snake....

But if this shall ever occur in my immediate vicinity, I feel prepared to remedy the situation. 

[Dannyboy]

Twice in as many months.  This needs to stop.  The cops are on a rampage!  Tasering these poor defenseless snakes.

[InfidelSerf]

Sad thing is the poor snake could be destroyed for it's actions.

[MechAg94]

Hell, my first thought was didn't anyone have a pocket knife? 

[mustanger98]

Hell, my first thought was didn't anyone have a pocket knife? 

That was my thought... 'cept for I was thinking of a Crocodile Dundee sized Bowie knife.

[K Frame]

"18 yr old girl plus 14 ft python equals?"

OOH! I know the answer to this!

A kinky poster on the wall of every teenage male in the country?

Or has that been done already?

[280plus]

A kinky poster

That's where I thought this thread was heading. 

 

[gunsmith]

Heh, I  meant , (gee whiz you guys) that no one, let alone an 18 yr old girl
should ever think it is safe to handle a 14 ft python by them selves.
They are never tame, a snake that size could be a serious threat.

[Bigjake]

Sad thing is the poor snake could be destroyed for it's actions.

  hell with that slithery bastard,  mighty fine pair of boots there,  and i work with a SE asian good ol' boy that would consider that good eating

[stevelyn]

18 year old girl and 14 ft python equals?

My first though was "equals a pretty wild show in Tijuana"................until I started reading the thread.

Of course my sentiments are similar to Bigjake's. He sees boots. I see holsters and mag carriers.

[Strings]

>They are never tame, a snake that size could be a serious threat.<

Actually... yes, they can be. I knew a couple that had an 18 footer that followed the lady of the house around all the time, and was VERY protective of "mom".

 What I was told for dealing with the larger snakes (besides "don't mess with 'em when they're acting agressive") was to keep a spray bottle of alchohol on you (bourbon was the recomended type). When the overgrown rodent disposal wraps, spray it in the face: the alchohol dries out their nasal caities, and they relaz their bodiy. I'm assuming bourbon is prefered so you have something pleasant to drink immediately after extracting yourself...

[Twycross]

He sees boots. I see holsters and mag carriers.

A snakeskin holster. What gun would go with that? I'm thinking some sort of stainless revolver.

[gunsmith]

hunter rose I must respectfully disagree, some pythons are less prone
to aggression, I can not remember if Burmese are these kind or not.
I used to really into herpetology and I assure you, despite what
you saw, letting an 18 ft snake have free roam about the house is really dangerous.
Even unsanitary, an easy way to get sick is to handle a snake and forget to wash your hands
as they ...uh...can not really wash their hands when they excrete and ...uh...live in their own ...well you get the pic.

Snakes are dumb as post, and any snake may bite you, even the one that you think is your best friend.
retarded mice are a billion to the 100th power times smarter then the smartest snake.

[280plus]

I was just watching Chevy Chase's "Las Vegas Vacation" and besides re-realizing that I'm totally in love with Beverly DeAngelo there was a clip in there that included Seigfried and Roy. Poor Roy was all I could think...

[Chris]

Back in teh day, there was a poster of Christina Applegate with a hawk on one arm and a boa on the other arm...........

Sorry, having adolescent flashbacks...Christina Applegate..mmmmmmmm

[Stickjockey]

A snakeskin holster. What gun would go with that? I'm thinking some sort of stainless revolver.

I'm thinkin' maybe a Colt Python?

 

[roo_ster]

Hmm, when were were down thataway a week ago, it was a tossup between the Clearwater Aquarium & the Tarpon Springs Aquarium.  Glad we chose Clearwater.

If'n I was in the audience, a pocketknife would have been available, as would a SW1911.

I would never trust a reptile strong/dangerous enough to kill me.  Just not enough upstairs going on to form an attachment like a mammal can.

If you are down thataway, I can not recommend enough the little restaurant named "Plaka" on that street.  Gyros to die for. 

An 18' python might be enough to provide for boots and carry gear.

[Felonious Monk/Fignozzle]

gunsmith, Hunter Rose,

I must respectfully disagree with both of you.  With one exception:
The Incredibly Deadly Viper.  It is a very large snake that is, in fact, not deadly at all. The snake was discovered by Montgomery Montgomery in an unknown land.

Snickets trivia.  Everyone with kids under 14 knows this. 

[MechAg94]

Actually... yes, they can be. I knew a couple that had an 18 footer that followed the lady of the house around all the time, and was VERY protective of "mom".

 What I was told for dealing with the larger snakes (besides "don't mess with 'em when they're acting agressive") was to keep a spray bottle of alchohol on you (bourbon was the recommended type). When the overgrown rodent disposal wraps, spray it in the face: the alchohol dries out their nasal caities, and they relaz their bodiy. I'm assuming bourbon is preferred so you have something pleasant to drink immediately after extracting yourself...

Owners of pit bulls or other dogs who attack people always say stuff like that also.
Why should I have to keep a spray bottle around to keep my pet from attacking me?  For zoo animals I can understand.

[Strings]

Mech... I was refering to zoo animals re: the spray bottle. Personally (and this is having had a boa), I wouldn't have one of the really big snakes around (reticulated, burmese).

Gunsmith: being "really into herpetology" is just a touch different from dealing with the individual animals (especially in some of the areas I'm thinking: remember, my old man is in Thailand, and has told some interesting stories). It IS possible for a snake to form a bond: I had one that did. A snake is just like any other animal: it takes time and work to socialize 'em. That said...

 I can't see keeping an animal around the house that could see you as a potential meal. Just NOT a good idea...

[MechAg94]

I certainly agree with that last statement.   

I guess cats don't really think you are a meal, they just think they are better than you.  Dogs I have experience with just see you as their personal entertainment supervisor. 

[Strings]

You want to see some REALLY amazing animal bonds, go to Thailand and visit some of their zoos...

[Gewehr98]

This thread is useless without pictures.

Hmmm, girls and pythons...