Worried pet owners and local residents say they've been left "super scared" after a pet python went missing in Chilwell - and one went as far to say that they fear it could 'swallow a dog whole'. The large yellow snake has now been missing for more than two days after it got out from a house Blandford Road on Wednesday, July 13.
Nottinghamshire Live was told by officials on Friday (July 15) that the python remained at large. The risk of this particular python, which according to reports on social media is suggested to be 8ft in length, is low. According to RSPCA advice, most royal pythons in the UK are bred in captivity.
Their needs are the same as in the wild and they may bite under stress or if they smell food. They tend to eat a variety of mice and rats. Though larger pythons in the wild, in some cases overseas, have been known to eat mammals like monkeys, wallabies, pigs or antelope.
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With anxieties heightened in Chilwell because of the situation, people have been left concerned and one dog-walker was fearful the python could "swallow a dog whole". Retired Chilwell resident Julie Tingle, 66, said: “I’m a little bit worried as I would have thought it could swallow a dog whole.
"When I went out with my dog this morning I was watching for it. If I saw it I’d have to go as far away as possible, I expect to see a dog or squirrel but a python would give me a real fright. I imagine everyone just wants it caught.”
Colin Moss, 69, had similar concerns. He said: “I know it’s not supposed to be dangerous, but I would be worried if I had a cat.” On Thursday, police urged anyone who spots the snake to get in touch.
Officers warned not to touch the snake but instead wait for the police and RSPCA to attend. Retired Rosie Moss, who is 67 and lives in Chilwell, said: “I think up to this point I’ve found it funny but it could be dangerous. I’m not too bothered, but if I still had my dog I would be frightened. I don’t get why you would keep a python as a pet.”
Bradley Walsh, 24, an au pair who lives in Chilwell, said: “I’ve heard about it, people are super super scared. There have been a lot of Facebook posts about it all. People are possibly over reacting a little bit because a python is not what a lot of people would see as a pet. But I think the owner will also be worried, people are scared of it because they don’t know much about it and it’s unusual.”
Ann Birkin, 60, from Chilwell, added: “When I was told about it I was taken aback. It’s just not something you would expect to maybe encounter. I know they’ve said it’s not a danger but I wouldn’t be taking any chances, I’m going to avoid the woodland and just walk on the path. I hope it’s caught soon, I’m not a big fan of snakes unless there are behind glass.”
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