DAILY RECORD (Parsippany, New Jersey) 21 October 06 Escaped snake found in school
Hauppauge, N.Y. (AP): Slim, the Long Island school python that escaped from its tank, is back in the classroom after a month-long sabbatical.
The hunt for the loose reptile started when the 2-foot serpent disappeared from the sixth-grade science room he had occupied for five years at Hauppauge Middle School.
"I am happy to say Slim the Snake has returned and is safe and sound back in the tank," principal Maryann Fletcher said in a note to parents on Friday.
She said Slim was "in good condition" after emerging from its hiding spot Thursday evening, but did not indicate exactly where the snake was found. It was returned to its tank by custodians.
The principal guessed that the python -- a cold-blooded serpent native to West Africa -- might have come out when the heat was turned on this week.
Last month, teachers were putting Slim and another snake named Otis back into their containers when a student with a problem in the hall distracted them for a few moments.
Slim and Otis slithered off. Otis was caught. Slim was not.
To entice the critter out of hiding, the school set up heating lamps and traps filled with crickets -- to no avail.
Slim is now back to classroom duties, serving as a live demonstration for science classes.
As for his time away, the principal wrote, "I received a note as follows: 'Vacation was great! ... The food was nothing to talk about and it was hard to find good water ... Feels good to be home!' ssssssssssssss Slim ... peace!'"
Escaped snake found in school

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