KFOR (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) 24 August 06 Snake on a playground (Bobbie Miller)

Oklahoma City: An Oklahoma City neighborhood is on alert after word that an exotic creature is on the lam. It is a 14-foot python that either escaped from its cage or was stolen.

Precautions are now being taken just a few yards away at a southwest Oklahoma City elementary school.

NewsChannel 4's Bobbie Miller was at area of S.W. 51st and Independence with more on this creepy story.

Playground tires have been checked, as well as every tree and grass pile. Arthur Elementary officials were alerted of a snake escape just across the street and have scoured the place to keep their kids safe. Most Oklahoma teachers have conducted a tornado drill before, but not a snake drill.

Playground attendant Debbie Roberson is making sure when the kids hear her whistle they come running.

"Well, this is my lucky day and unfortunately this is a snake day. We haven't told the children. It's just a no tree day," Roberson says.

The kids will not be playing under the trees today because there might be a snake loose on their playground; a 14-foot python. We're checking the trees, the tall grass and the fence line.

Greg Mumme's title of building mechanic just turned into snake hunter.

"That's new to my description. I was surprised when they called," Mumme says.

Several neighbors reported that a snake had escaped from a cage Tuesday and NewsChannel 4 found animal control out investigating. The elementary school hopes that the snake drill is as close as students get to the rumored reptile. Animal control was contacted Wednesday after they received word of the snake from neighbors and the school principal.

As of now there is no sign of the snake, just an empty cage by the curb. We did finally get in touch with the snake's owner. She believes her 14-foot white python named "king" was stolen two days ago.
Snake on a playground

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