Snakes in the Home?

By Chaya Goodman Kurtz, Hometalk

According to National Geographic, home owners in Florida have one more pest to watch out for. If alligators and Burmese pythons were not threat enough to the panhandle’s dogs and cats, residents now need to protect their homes from 20-foot-long, genetically hybrid African rock pythons.

According to the Miami Sun Sentinal, record size African rock pythons have been caught in Everglade National Park, where erroneously released Burmese pythons and cobras have already eaten thousands of animals. Wildlife authorities fear that the African rock pythons will decimate the animal population of the protected wilderness area.

Wildlife authorities suspect that the African rock pythons were released from a pet-breeding facility. It gets me thinking, why would anyone want to keep a ferocious snake in his house? I mean, seriously. One of these things is not like the other: hardwood floor, solar thermal water system, task lighting, aggressive mammal-eating snake!? National Geographic reports that African pythons are so fierce that they come out of the shell striking. Who really wants a pet that could squeeze you to death or could eat your cat?

I mean, I understand wanting an interesting visual piece in your home, but a killer snake? A python breeder reported to ABC News that Americans buy millions of dollars worth of deadly snakes every year because, “It’s an animal that’s beautiful. It’s interesting to watch.” My friends, here is a list of a few non-toxic home decorations that incorporate the spectacle aspect of scary snake ownership, but will never eat your cat:

Live goldfish toilet tank – - It’s weird and cool, a great gift for the person who has everything.
Stabbable human-shaped knife holder — It only looks dangerous.
Snake photo mouse pads — Freak out your office mates.
Fake taxidermy antler chandelier — For an upscale sort of Halloween look all year round.

Image: aehack/Flickr

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Marie W.

8:58PM PST on Feb 11, 2012

Exotic animals should be banned as pets- people just don't think.

send a green star

Suzanne L.

4:09PM PST on Feb 11, 2012

I think it would be wise to ban exotics as pets.

Ailsa P.

3:23PM PST on Feb 11, 2012

I don't understand the mentality of those who keep snakes! Horrible! And having to feed them with tiny little mice and bunnies! Sick!! My opinion and it will never change!!!

Cheryl B.

6:10AM PST on Feb 11, 2012

scary

Vaiva G.

1:26PM PST on Jan 29, 2012

wouldn't it be nice if people stopped using wild animals as bizarre status symbols? then mammal-eating snakes would not be such a scary problem..

Carole R.

9:54PM PDT on Sep 15, 2011

Sorry ... a snake in my home is my worst nightmere.

Danuta W.

3:56AM PDT on Aug 16, 2011

thanks

Jane R.

9:03AM PDT on Aug 9, 2011

I'd never have any kind of a snake for a pet. I prefer a cuddly cat.

Joyce S.

9:41PM PDT on Aug 8, 2011

I feel snakes can be safely kept as pets, people just get careless, or take on the responsibllilty of snakes too large to handle. Do your research on your pet before you get it. They are like children, not disposible. They are a lifetime responsibility. I have an 18 year old, blind, slightly senile siamese, who gets just as much love and attention as she did as the day she was born (I had her parents). Hopefully she will live many more years. You just adjust to them as you should your family members!!!

Sheri P.

10:31AM PDT on Jul 26, 2011

ICK, scary! I get the heebie jeebies just looking at the snake picture mouse pads...