iStockphoto / RibeirodosSantos
Audio By Carbonatix
An abandoned 16ft python in Los Angeles, California is thanking its lucky stars and stripes that it was found by reptile hunter Joseph Hart.
The Southern California reptile rescuer and rehabilitator received a phone call about the massive python on August 5th and took a video of the enormous snake. It is presumed this 16-foot was previously someone’s pet snake and was abandoned.
Los Angeles Reptile Hunter Rescues 16ft Python
Speaking with Fox News and other outlets, Joseph Hart suggested the reason this enormous snake might have been abandoned was due to financial constraints.
He said it is likely the python was left in the dumpster because “overwhelming pressure of the vet bills and expenses.” Hart added that the enormous costs of taking care of a large exotic pet, and those costs rising steeply in recent years, “unfortunately leads to an awful solution to the problem.”
Here, Joseph Hart spoke with Fox News over the weekend about this special snake rescue:
Taking care of exotic pets and snakes
On Instagram, Joseph Hart aka @reptile.hunter offered more insight into why people ditch special pets such as this. He wrote “this breaks my heart because the previous owner was most likely overwhelmed with the idea of treating the medical condition, as vet bills can be pricey. But dumping or abandoning the animal is no solution either.”
In a follow-up post from Hart on Monday, he shared an update on the snake’s health. Hart said they have “been cleaning her mouth and giving her proper antibiotic medications to help fight this mouth infection.”
After several days of treatment the snake is responding favorably to treatment and healing. He is also thankful for everyone who has donated to the cause and helped him cover the cost of medications and treatment for the abandoned snake.
The 16ft python, now named Apples, stands to live a longer life now after it was rescued by the right person.