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EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE (California) 18 September 07 Parking lot snake not your typical desert dweller (Gary Hatch, 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs)
This photo (at URL below), circulated on base in a recent e-mail, depicts a ball python under a vehicle at the 416th Flight Test Squadron parking lot. The python, native to Western and Central Africa, could present a danger to the ecosystem according to base biologists. (Courtesy photo)
Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.: A recent e-mail circulated around the base warned readers to be sure to check under their cars for snakes. It included two photos of a snake under a car in a main base parking lot.
Looking at the photo, base biologists did a double take. Not because someone snapped a photo of a snake under a car in a blistering hot parking lot -- though that is a bit unusual, they say.
It was because the snake in the photo isn't from this area, or this continent, or even this hemisphere.
Try Africa.
The snake is a ball python, native to Western and Central Africa.
"It was probably someone's pet that either escaped or was let go," said Mark Hagan, base biologist.
Either way it's a problem -- for the snake or the ecosystem, Mr. Hagan said.
"We need to remind people not to release their pets, particularly exotic species," he said. "The two most likely outcomes are either the pet suffers a painful death because it can't adapt to a different environment, or it adapts too well and can cause ecological problems -- sometimes disasters."
There are many examples of a new species being introduced into an area with ruinous results -- snakehead fish on the East Coast of the U.S., brown tree snakes in Guam or simply suckers, chubs or carp overrunning a favorite trout lake.
People need to think seriously about a long-term commitment before they adopt a pet. However, there are options open to anyone who suddenly must find a home for a pet.
APET Rescue is an on-base organization whose primary mission is to find good homes for pets. They can be reached at 258-9525. Sometimes pet stores will also take a pet.
Those who have exhausted other avenues may try Security Forces Wildlife Control at 277-7138 or Environmental Management at 277-1401 for other ideas or help.
Parking lot snake not your typical desert dweller

I would never think that a ball python could make it in CA. I think it would have to become more opportunistic in it's diet.

Yeah, I've often wondered if they would go for other food if forced to do so.

Has anyone ever seen them eat anything besides rodents? I can't imagine a cricket or a grasshopper would produce a heat signature that would motivate a strike.
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Seren
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"The universe is ruled by letting things take their course. It cannot be ruled by interfering." (Chinese proverb)
Stormwraith Sidelines (blog including occasional tales about my ball python, Ella)

one would wonder if they "really" are a thread to the ecosystem... I figure it wasn't loose very long and would likely not survive in CA... I suspect it would be too dry for them? Just my guess... Interesting article nonetheless!

Bristen.
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www.RoyalGemReptiles.com

poor thing. I hope someone with knowledge took this snake in. Unfortunately, most people kill first. I lived at Edwards AFB for five years. It is considered in the High Desert. Low humidity, very hot summers and freezing winters. Food would be plentiful though as there are ground squirrels, rabbits, lizards and mice. I've seen some pretty fat gopher snakes, so I suppose they may possibly survive the heat and cold if burrowed. But then the flash floods might get them in the burrows.
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