Python gets a temporary home at animal centre

Sharjah: The Burmese python found in the Al Naba'a area on Sunday has found a temporary home at the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife in Sharjah.

"The python is in good condition and is under observation, but it is too early to determine its exact condition because we only have been taking care of it for one day," said Paul Vercammen, operations manager at the centre.

Gulf News reported yesterday that the python was discovered by a taxi driver when he saw it falling from a date palm tree on the roadside. An Anjad patrol was then called to the scene to remove the snake, and then placed it in the custody of the breeding centre.

People wandering in the area were shocked when they saw the python that measured over one metre.

The Burmese python can grow up to three metres and when it grows big, its owners may find it difficult to handle so they release it, or at times it escapes. These pythons are dangerous as they kill prey by squeezing them to death.

Imported

Vercammen pointed out that the snake is not indigenous to the region and must have been imported by its owner.

"The police handed the python over to our centre until further notice. We do not know how long it will stay here as it depends on the legal procedure," he said, also noting that part of the legal procedure involves tracking down the owner and then issuing a decision as to who should take responsibility for the python.

He added that it is very likely that the python will remain in Sharjah since it was discovered there.