THE OKLAHOMAN (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) 05 October 09 Homegrown python from Oklahoma City may slither into record books (Matt Dinger)

Fluffy, a python who once called Oklahoma City home, is a contender for a 2011 Guinness World Record.

The record-holder died last year, leaving open the title of longest snake in captivity, said Philip Robertson, Guinness World Records U.S. marketing manager.

Robertson said a team of Guinness researchers visited the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio last week, using a string to measure the snake’s length in six separate attempts. Guinness does not release data regarding records claims until a decision has been made, he said.

Snake breeder and herpetologist Bob Clark, who sold the python to the zoo in January 2008, said he raised the python from a hatchling until she grew to more than 24 feet long and weighed more than 300 pounds.

"The Guinness people called me. They were trying to track this down about six months ago,” Clark said.

Fluffy, a reticulated python, was loaned to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in 2007, and they paid Clark $35,000 to put the python on permanent display.

"It isn’t even my snake anymore, but I’ve still got a relationship with it. I’m still proud,” he said.

The Columbus Dispatch reported the first season Fluffy was at the zoo, attendance reached 1.53 million people, second highest on record.

Clark credits Fluffy’s genes and the amount he fed her for her enormous size. But unlike some larger snakes, "She’s easygoing, very tolerant of people touching her. Very tame. Just a good, friendly animal.”

Clark said Fluffy was hatched in June 1992 and he was feeding her one large meal a week, usually a pig or rabbits, at the time she was sold.

Reticulated pythons have the ability to grow continuously throughout their lives if they are fed frequently, but can survive extended periods without eating, Clark said.

Robertson said the record is expected to be decided next year.
Homegrown python from Oklahoma City may slither into record books

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