Creature Feature: Pet Python On The Lam

"When people start talking about their pets and I tell them I have a snake, a lot of them say, "Ick! How weird!' " said Claudia Dunn of Noyac. But having a snake as a pet isn't weird at all to Ms. Dunn; in fact, it's somewhat of a family tradition.

Snakes have been the pet of choice in her household as long as she can remember. A family snapshot taken when Ms. Dunn was a toddler shows several young family members cheerfully brandishing snakes at the camera.

Ms. Dunn speaks confidently and knowledgeably about the care and handling of snakes while her four-foot-plus python, Houdini, slithers inquisitively along her quilted bedspread.

"Snakes have become the cool thing to have. But you have to learn about them and respect them because they can be dangerous. People don't realize how strong some snakes can be," she said.

All Muscle, Literally

Very strong indeed! Like all constricting snakes, Houdini is literally all muscle.

"He do esn't need to work out!" said Ms. Dunn with a laugh. "He spends almost all of his time curled under his bowl, but he never has to go work out at a gym to stay muscled."

Houdini is a ball python, a species native to the savannas and dry forests of western to central Africa. Its name is derived from its tendency to curl up into a tight ball with its head in the center when threatened. Ball pythons reach a maximum length of six and a half feet and are considered to be the gentlest of the giant snakes.

Ms. Dunn follows a strict protocol while working around her snake. She uses different routines for handling and feeding so Houdini will never confuse the two. The most common cause of injury for constrictor owners is when their snake confuses playtime with mealtime.

In A Snake's Grip

Though most constrictors are normally slow-moving and mellow, when striking at food, or what they perceive as food, they are lightning fast. Usually these accidents are painful but of little consequence.

However, in the case of very large constrictors, the animal's teeth can get hooked into its owner's hand or arm, causing it to bite harder and in some cases wrap its body around its hapless owner and begin to squeeze.

For such emergencies, Klaus Griehl, a snake expert, advises snake owners to keep a bottle of hard liquor handy. According to him, snakes abhor alcohol, so sprinkling a few drops near the animal's mouth will cause it to release its grip and speedily retreat.

After such an experience, undoubtedly the snake owner will also be in need of a few drops as he or she speedily retreats, too.

Need For Research

Prospective snake owners should do considerable research before purchasing a snake. As cold-blooded creatures, snakes have special heating requirements. Ms. Dunn uses a heating pad under Houdini's terrarium and a light over it to keep his living quarters at the 80 to 90 degrees he requires.

Prospective owners should also be aware of the different sizes some species can attain. Several types of boas can grow up to 12 feet long, and there are species of constrictors that can reach well over 20 feet long. Providing suitable living quarters for such a sizable serpent is beyond the means of most people.

If the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora lists the species of snake that is being purchased as in danger of immediate extinction or threatened, it is essential that the buyer obtain a copy of the export permit so it can be proved that the animal was purchased in accordance with the requirements of the Washington Convention.

Tenderhearted Beware

Since most snakes require live prey as dinner, they are not very good pets for the excessively tenderhearted. And prospective owners should realize it's not just a matter of throwing a rat into the terrarium and scurrying from the room in horror.

Having never been in the company of a snake before, I was surprised at how relaxing his presence was.

If the snake does not immediately strike and begin to devour its prey, the rat has to be removed from the enclosure, otherwise the tables may turn and prey become predator. Rats have been known to inflict serious bites and even kill some snakes.

Yet, once the snake owner has equipment and resolve in place, the care of these animals is absurdly easy. Snakes do not need to be fed every day. Some require feeding as often as every three weeks, but Houdini, who is not a glutton, only requires food every two months or so.

"I can go away on vacation for two weeks and not worry about him at all," said Ms. Dunn.

Aptly Named

Snakes do not require grooming or walking. Since they eat so seldom, cleaning up after them is infrequently required. And since they are totally deaf, snakes don't even require that you talk to them.

But if caring for Houdini isn't time consuming, finding him is, for Houdini is aptly named. He is continually escaping.

"A noise will wake me up at night and I'll think, 'Oh no, he's out again,'" said Ms. Dunn. Houdini's exploratory missions usually lead him into seemingly impossibly tight situations. Retrieving the errant snake tends to involve dismantling furniture or heating baseboards. "He likes to travel," said Ms. Dunn ruefully.

Beautiful Creature

Houdini is an extraordinarily beautiful creature. He is a rich chocolate brown with intricate tan markings. His small elegant head tapers gradually into his sturdy body. Having never been in the company of a snake before, I was surprised at how relaxing his presence was.

He also caused me to reflect, as I watched him glide easily in his silent way through his silent world, that arms and legs and ceaseless chatter are somewhat overrated.