Reptile & Amphibian Forums

TIMES HERALD-RECORD (Middletown, New York) 19 June 08 Missing 14-foot python found in NY canal by boy
Elbridge, N.Y. (AP): It took a boy and his dog to find a missing 14-foot long Burmese python.
The python named Dante was reported missing from an upstate New York reptile rescue center on Monday after someone propped open his cage.
A neighborhood boy found the 80-pound snake in the Erie Canal near the center Wednesday evening. MaxMan Reptile Rescue owner Diana Sleiertin (SLAY'-er-tin) says she and her son had to untangle Dante from some limbs but he is now safely back in his cage.
Sleiertin, who uses the snake as an animal ambassador visiting schools and children's birthday parties, says it doesn't look like Dante ate anything during his road trip.
State police are investigating the case as vandalism.
Meanwhile, the center is still looking for a missing 16-inch iguana.
Missing 14-foot python found in NY canal by boy

POST STANDARD (Syracuse, New York) 20 June 08 Python stew? No thanks
The trouble with losing a python is that folks don't really want to find it.
There's something about a 14-foot-long, 17-inch-around, 80-pound snake that doesn't invite close contact -- except from the likes of Diana Sleiertin, who hosts "Dante" at Max-Man Reptile Rescue in Elbridge.
So when a mischief-maker propped open his cage Monday and Dante slithered out, the community's reaction was, well, mixed.
One neighbor said she was scared to death. Even the macho dudes from the Elbridge Rod and Gun Club admitted they were petrified of snakes. Of those who called Sleiertin offering to help search, at least one proposed cooking Dante in a tasty stew.
Twelve-year-old Conlin McGuire -- or rather his dog Sophie -- finally found the snake as the pair walked near the canal early Wednesday evening. Offered advice on how to retrieve the python, Conlin's mom, Freda, said in effect: No way, come and get him. Can you blame her?
Python stew? No thanks