Florida Has Gone Snake Happy! Ick!

   A two-year-old Floridian was killed by her family's eight foot pet Python, last Wednesday, while she was sleeping in her crib. It was ruled "death by asphyxiation". The little girl lived in a small house in rural Sumter County Florida with her nineteen year old mom and her mom's boyfriend along with two other children that were not related to her. The mom's boyfriend woke up in the morning and noticed that his pet Python was not in its  terrarium. A short time later, the mom's boyfriend found the snake coiled around the dead two year old.

   This is a tragic story however it should surprise no one. There have been at least four children killed in America by Pythons. Pythons, along with other varieties of snakes (both poisonous and non-poisonous) are increasingly accepted, nowadays, throughout America,  as harmless household pets. I personally know a number of people, in Florida, that keep a variety of snakes as "pets". And quite frankly, I'm freaked out by the thought of anyone keeping a snake in their home as a pet, especially when there are toddlers in the home. I've lived in Florida since '98 and I've seen my share of indigenous snakes in my backyard, my garage, and throughout the entire neighborhood. . . Cottonmouths, Eastern Diamond Backs, and Coral Snakes--all of which are highly poisonous--along with non-poisonous snakes.  And no matter how cautious and aware one is, it's easier to get bit and wind up in the hospital than one might  think. Thank goodness most Floridians have the good sense to keep snakes out of their homes. And to those of you that are fascinated by snakes, Ick!