LLANELLI STAR (UK) 19 July 07 Python Swims With Fishes (Hannah Hammond)
A Llanelli mum had more than she could handle when the family's resident pet python broke free in her living room.Amanda Williams, of Iscoed, was home alone when her husband's 3.5ft royal python escaped from its enclosure and made its way into the family's fish tank.
"I tried to get it back into the tank, but it was trying to attack me and I got scared," the 45-year-old said.
"It is my husband Royston's snake, so I am not used to handling it.
"He was away, so I didn't know what to do.
"I didn't know it had broken free so I let my three dogs into the living room where it was on the floor.
"They were barking at her and I think that scared her and made her swim into the fish tank.
"She wrapped herself around the light in the tank and I couldn't get her out.
"I have two children, aged 14 and 16, and my 14-week-old grandson was coming over, so I wanted to get it back in the tank as soon as I could.
"I was really relieved when it was back in the tank."
Snake and reptile expert Geraint 'the Snakeman' Hopkins went to the aid of Mrs Williams.
"Snakes are pretty good escape artists so it probably pushed through a gap in the plastic when no-one was around," Mr Hopkins said.
"It had wrapped itself around the light because it was probably cold.
"The snake was quite aggressive because it had been free for a while, but it didn't take long to secure him back in the tank.
"These types of constrictors are totally harmless but they can give a nasty bite.
"If you pull away when they bite you their teeth will snap off in your skin.
"I would urge anyone who keeps snakes to make sure that they are in secure enclosures."
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