WAUKESHA FREEMAN (Wisconsin) 18 May 05 Woman has minor injuries after pet python bites her (Brian Huber)
Brookfield: A Texas woman is lucky she didn’t taste good to her pet python that bit her Tuesday afternoon.
The woman, whose name was not available this morning, was bitten by the snake while in Brookfield visiting relatives, said Robin Barry, community outreach director for the Elmbrook Humane Society.
"Apparently, the snake had not been fed in three months, the woman was from out of town and there was a dog around, and it was a stressful environment for the snake," Barry said. "First she was bit, and the snake wrapped around her arm very tightly."
The woman was taken to a hospital but suffered only bruising and broken blood vessels. Police issued no citation because officers could determine "no violation of the law," said Brookfield Police Capt. Phil Horter. City prosecutor Joe Kershek said he was unsure if the city had any ordinances dealing with snakes, and had no knowledge of the case.
Barry added there was no threat of rabies since snakes don’t carry rabies, and there was never any concern that the woman needed anti-venom. Humane workers told the woman the snake would eventually loosen its grip on her, which it did, Barry said.
Barry did not have details as to the snake’s age and size, as no personnel were dispatched to the scene; workers counseled the woman over the phone.
Barry said humane workers advised the woman to feed her snake at least every other week instead of three months apart, and also counseled her to use dead food instead of live rats, as she had been feeding the snake.
"I don’t think she realized she was caring for it improperly," Barry said.
Woman has minor injuries after pet python bites her