BRIDGETON NEWS (New Jersey) 05 September 03 Python reaches destination (Sean C. Mccullen)
Bridgeton -- The county's -- and arguably the country's -- most famous python is now home safe and sound.
The owners of the 7-foot-long Burmese python, which drew nationwide media attention after a UPS deliveryman discovered the large snake was slithering loose in the rear of his truck here Wednesday, picked it up from the Cohanzick Zoo Thursday afternoon.
The python was given its new name -- ChewBoxa -- courtesy of its unusual, and some would say inhumane, shipping experience.
Tina Gettings, 22, and Chris Altizer, 24, both of Fayette Street, found it comical that city animal control officer Bill Knipe told the News the python had chewed its way out of the box in which a New Mexico man had overnight mailed it.
"Pythons don't chew. He pushed his way out of the box. Pythons are like Houdini -- if they find a weakness, they'll find a way to get out," Altizer said.
Nathan Thaye, of Las Cruces, N.M., overnight mailed the python to Altizer Tuesday after the two had reached an agreement on the Internet two weeks ago.
Altizer was to breed the python with his 2-year-old albino python, and then send some of the offspring back to New Mexico in exchange.
The problem was the 1- to 2-year-old python was sent in a small cardboard box without proper ventilation. Adding to the confusion of the situation, UPS policies prevent customers from shipping most animals, a spokesman said.
Altizer was relieved he was able to pick up the Burmese python from the Cohanzick Zoo, where it was being held until authorities figured out how to handle the situation.
"I'm happy that I've got (the snake) back. But I'm angry about the fines and about the way he shipped (it)," Altizer said.
Altizer is facing fines up to $5,000 for failing to obtain permits to own regulated species, according to Mark Leonard of the state Division of Fish and Wildlife.
In the interest of protecting indigenous New Jersey wildlife, as well as residents, the state requires permits for any exotic pets, Leonard said.
Leonard, who visited Gettings' and Altizer's home, said it was a no-brainer to allow them to pick up their python.
"He seems quite knowledgeable. I don't think he'll have any problems taking care of (it). And all of the other animals seemed healthy and well-maintained," he said.
Altizer called Thaye Thursday afternoon.
According to Altizer, Thaye was apologetic for sending ChewBoxa in the small box and creating the unwanted attention from wildlife authorities.
"If he would have shipped it properly, we would not have had any problems," Altizer said, referring to the fines he is now facing.
Gettings noted the couple was in the process of obtaining permits from the state for their albino python, as well as two red-tailed, Colombian boa constrictors, two geckoes and a Savannah monitor.
When asked if he thought Thaye should be charged for improperly shipping the python, Altizer said: "Go for it! If I'm going to get some fines because this guy is going to screw up, then yeah, I think he should get fined."
Bev Greco, shelter manager with the Cumberland County SPCA, said local officials have contacted the national SPCA about notifying authorities in New Mexico. She expects the information will be forwarded today.
Greco said she could not believe the story when she first heard it.
"I'm flabbergasted by it. I can't believe that anyone would try to ship any living animal in the manner that this gentleman did, but especially one that could present a danger to the public," Greco said.
"I really can't believe the snake survived," she added, noting a Burmese python must be kept in warm areas.
Altizer was shocked to learn the python was OK, too.
"I was extremely agitated by the fact that (it) could have been in shipping and could have been dead or dying," he said.
In spite of the fact that ChewBoxa could grow to be 20 feet long, Altizer said his neighbors are fine with him owning three snakes and several lizards.
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PRESS OF ATLANTIC CITY (Pleasantville, New Jersey) 05 September 03 UPS is no way for snake to travel (Luis Puga)
Bridgeton: It's no way for a snake to travel.
That's what police said Thursday in a report on a United Parcel Services driver who discovered Wednesday that a 7-foot Burmese python had chewed its way out of a package and into one of their trucks here.
The python surprised UPS driver Michael Strittmatter, 32, who had stopped the truck on Laurel Street for a delivery.
The python was destined for the 100 block of Fayette Street home of Chris Aitizer, 24, but never made it there.
Police and animal control officers were called in to wrangle the reptile, which is now being lodged in the Cohanzick Zoo.
Police said the python was sent by a Nathan Theye, 62, of Las Cruces, N.M.
Police said Aitizer told them he didn't expect the snake to be sent that way, noting he had met Theye over the Internet and had agreed to take custody of the reptile.
Police said they reported the incident to the state Division of Fish and Wildlife, as well as the Cumberland County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals. They said while the shipping violates U.S. postal law, UPS is not regulated by such law
Norman Black, a spokesman for Atlanta-based UPS, said putting a python in a box doesn't meet the requirements for shipping animals.
"As a general rule, you cannot put any kind of animal in a box and give it to us," he said.
Python reaches destination
