Python found on Cape porch

The Cape Girardeau Police Department received an unusual call just after midnight Thursday, when someone found a python on the front porch of a home in the 1500 block of Whitener Street.

The python -- about 2 feet long -- first was taken to the police department until it could be transported to the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, said Sgt. Adam Glueck, a spokesman for the police department.

"We don't know who the owner is or how it got to the porch," he said.

When police receive a call regarding a domestic animal and they're unsure of who the owner is, the department's protocol is to take the animal to the shelter, he said.

"We do get snake calls from time to time," Glueck said, but a call about a python is rare.

A Southeast Missourian reporter knocked on the home's door Thursday, but there was no answer.

Requi Salter, who serves on the Humane Society's board of directors, said the python, identified as female, is about a 1 1/2 years old.

She is the only snake at the shelter.

"We've had snakes before," Salter said. "They're not always found. Some people have, for whatever reason, not been able to keep them."

The python will be kept on "stray hold," giving the owner an opportunity to claim her, Salter said.

"After that, she would be available for adoption," she said. "We usually place those with people we already know have quite a bit of knowledge about snakes."

Although the snake is about 2 feet long now, she is young, Salter said.

Some species of python can exceed 20 feet long and 400 pounds.

klamb@semissourian.com

388-3639

Pertinent address:

1500 block of Whitener St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.