The snake in question was an African Rock Python that was 13 feet and around 100 pounds. Apparently it escaped from its enclosure kept inside the apartment. It then traveled through a vent and fell through the ceiling into the room where the 4 and 6 year old brothers were sleeping.
The boys died of asphyxiation. Investigators thought the snake may have been frightened after falling and had clung to the boys. It could have also been attracted to the boys scent since they had handled many other animals earlier that day. The snake's weight alone could easily suffocate a small child even without constriction. The snake was then euthanized.
African Rock Python http://gallery.usgs.gov/photos/10_16_2009_h40Of66eey_10_16_2009_0
In other news, pythons in Florida have been in the headlines for the past 20 years. Burmese Pythons have been a major invasive species problem mainly in the Florida Everglades. These pythons which can grow up to 23 feet long are native to Southeast Asia. The problem likely started by irresponsible pet owners releasing their snakes and from snakes escaping their homes.
Like all invasive species, these snakes have established a breeding population, and there are now thousands of Burmese Pythons residing in the Everglades. Sadly, because of habitat destruction and their demand in the pet trade they are a threatened species in their native habitat.
Burmese Python struggling with an American Alligator Photo by Lori Oberhofer, National Park Service
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