Hi Jill,
An unenviable situation. As the Python is a protected species,
relocation without the OK of National Parks would be illegal, I would
get onto them for advice. It seems that the Python has already got the
scent of the pup, and will do its best to track it down while it is
hungry. Perhaps keeping the snake fed using perhaps chickens or
rabbits etc. might help keep it satisfied, though you would really
have to get onto a herpetologist for advice on keeping the Python
happy. Another problem will be , as the pup grows, the Foxie traits
might come to the fore and it may very well seek out the snake itself,
as Foxies ore renowned for taking on snakes. Sooner or later the two
will meet. I would get onto National Parks ASAP.
Regards,
Carl Clifford
On 28/09/2008, at 11:20 AM, Jill Dening wrote:
Hi all,
Whilst a little off-topic, I am hopeful that there might be python
experts on the list, and able to offer thoughts.
Our garden birds alerted us a few days ago to the presence of an 8
foot python crawling on the house exterior. The python has been around
for years. Well, pythons have been around for years at our place, if
not this one. And we all co-exist amicably - until now, and I am a
little concerned.
We have been without a dog for four years, and recently acquired a
puppy. She is now 14 weeks old and is a cross miniature fox terrier
and papillon. This will tell you that she will not grow to be a big dog.
The python seems to be taking a special interest in the house
surrounds, and we suspect it's because of the pup.
Before this thought passed through my mind, a few days ago the python
went into a downpipe and got stuck. The pipe passes into the ground,
and I have once before had to extract a maggot-infested python from
the drainpipe in sections. The smell was memorable.
We happen to live in Beerwah, home of Australia Zoo. I called the
wonderful rescue team at Australia Zoo, and they were busy, but put me
on the list for snake extraction. I covered the snake with a wet towel
to keep it cool. By the time someone from the zoo arrived, we found
the snake had self-extracted (thank goodness). The snake was stretched
out nearby on our roof. The young woman said she had never seen such a
large carpet snake before, and we should never let the pup out of our
sight, because she would be such an easy meal for the snake. She said
the snake was big enoughand strong enough to kill (but not eat) a
grown human. We agreed not to relocate the snake because they are
territorial and it would possibly make its way home.
Now I am in a quandary, as the snake seems to like the Chinese jasmine
running along about 10 metres of trellis which is the dog's outdoor
run. We can't let her outside.
Does anyone have any thoughts about snake habits and perhaps a
solution? I can ring Australia Zoo again, but perhaps one of you might
also have an idea. I can't think of anything except relocation. And
the dog is not going anywhere.
Cheers,
Jill
--
Jill Dening
Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
26° 51' 41"S 152° 56' 00"E
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