Latest news with #ReticulatedPython
The Sun
6 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Urgent warning as 18ft long ‘pet' PYTHON on the loose in UK countryside after being dumped by its owner
ONE of the world's longest snakes is at large — after five were illegally dumped by their owner in the countryside. The 18ft pythons are believed to have been kept as pets before being abandoned. Four were recaptured by police but they are still hunting for the missing reptile. Dog owners are being warned to keep pets on leads in the Twigmoor and Cleatham areas of rural Lincolnshire where the reticulated pythons were found. Humberside Police say the snakes will attack only to defend themselves but can 'squeeze the life' out of their prey. A spokesman said: 'So far four snakes have been captured by colleagues who work with exotic animals. 'They are believed to be Reticulated Pythons. We suspect that one snake may currently still be out in the wild. 'The reticulated Python is the longest species on earth. It is a non venomous constrictor snake. In the wild, they will kill their prey by biting it and then coiling around it to literally squeeze the life out of it. 'In the pet trade, these come in many colours. An 18ft Snake found at Manton is a wild type, but the other three are a mixture of two Albinos and what we think is a Pied Golden Child Morph. 'In the event that you find one in the wild in the UK, please call police immediately. DO NOT try to catch it yourself, keep an eye on it and give a What3Words location to the police so it can be assessed by an expert and collected appropriately. 'We would advise keeping dogs on a lead in the areas where these snakes were found. 'These Snakes will not attack you. They will only try to defend themselves if they feel threated. We suspect that the snakes that have been dumped were pets and this will make them less likely to bite. 'Please if you have a pet that you can no longer keep for whatever reason, please take it to an exotic animal shop or animal rescue. DO NOT release them into the wild. 'If you have any information on the release of these snakes please contact Humberside Police Rural Task Force at RTF@ or call 101 quoting investigation reference 25000081788."
Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
King cobra vs python: Here's who really rules the wild
A clash of giants sometimes unfolds in South and Southeast Asia's dense jungles and steamy forests—the King Cobra and the Python. Both are among the most feared reptiles on Earth, but which of these two slithering powerhouses would win in a face-off? Let's settle this nature showdown once and for all—with curiosity, science, and a hint of wild imagination. Regarding venomous snakes, the King Cobra truly lives up to its name. Reaching 18 feet, it's the longest venomous snake in the world. But it's not just about size—this snake is fast, focused, and terrifyingly efficient. King Cobras aren't content with mice and frogs—they often hunt other snakes, including smaller pythons. That's right, it's a snake that eats other snakes. Here's why the King Cobra is feared: On the other hand, the python is all about raw power. Most pythons don't bother with venom because they have something just as deadly: pure muscle. A fully grown Reticulated Python can reach 23 feet, wrapping around prey with bone-crushing pressure. They're ambush predators—quiet, patient, and deadly when the moment's right. What makes pythons formidable: So what happens when these two meet in the wild? It does happen occasionally—and yes, there have been documented fights. The outcome usually depends on who makes the first move. If the King Cobra strikes first and lands a good bite, its venom works fast, shutting down the python's nervous system. Game over. But if the Python manages to sneak up and coil around the cobra before it can bite—well, the tables can turn quickly. In most recorded encounters, the King Cobra has the upper hand, thanks to its speed, venom, and precise strikes. But it's not always a one-snake race. It depends on what you mean by 'dangerous.' To humans? That's clearly the King Cobra—its venom is no joke. In terms of strength? The Python wins with brute force. In a direct fight? More often than not, the King Cobra slithers away victorious. Still, in nature, nothing is ever guaranteed. Both snakes are dangerous in their own way—and both command a healthy dose of respect.
