Mysterious pythons in Kölleda: Who releases these animals?

Mysterious pythons in Kölleda: Who releases these animals?

In Kölleda, a small town in the Sömmerda district, a worrying incident is causing an uproar: several ball pythons were allegedly abandoned, which is making the hearts of animal rights activists beat faster and raising questions about the animals' origins. Dramatic scenes took place on July 13th when a severely weakened ball python was found at Streitseebad. Despite all efforts, the animal died shortly after it was found. A day later, walkers spotted two more pythons in the immediate vicinity, and the following Monday another specimen was found dead on the road, probably run over. The animal protection association “Schwierige Felle e.V.” is now looking for clues to the origins of these neglected animals.

Overall, this was the fourth ball python to be spotted in Kölleda in recent weeks. In view of this large number of finds, the association is concerned that these are not coincidences, but rather a deliberate abandonment of the animals. “It cannot be the case that such animals are simply disposed of,” explains a spokesman for “Schwierige Felle e.V.” You can send information anonymously and confidentially using the telephone number 0171/1989100 or by email kontakt@schwierige-felle.de be delivered. Your goal is to track down the origins of the pythons and prevent further damage.

The ball python – a popular pet

The ball python is particularly popular as a “beginner snake” in terrariums. This species of snake, which typically reaches a length of 1 to 1.5 meters, is known for its brown-black spotted scales and its powerful body. Although they are not considered aggressive, they are known to bite when threatened. However, these bites are usually not dangerous. If properly cared for, the ball python can live up to 30 years, and the demand for these animals is constantly increasing. The breeding of different color variants, so-called morphs, has also developed into a lucrative business.

However, the keeping conditions are specific for royal phytons and should be taken seriously. They need enough space, a suitable temperature of 27 to 29 degrees Celsius and a humidity of 60 to 80 percent. In addition, the animals should live in a terrarium with a minimum size of 150x80x60 cm, including hiding places and a water bowl. This can be a challenge for many beginners, and these requirements may be why some owners struggle and abandon their animals.

Abandoned reptiles are repeatedly found in Germany, which represents an urgent call to animal owners to look into the conditions in which their animals are kept and, if necessary, to provide better information. The case of the ball pythons in Kölleda is an example of how important animal protection and a sense of responsibility are in pet ownership.

The situation in Kölleda shows how quickly an innocent passion for keeping exotic animals can develop into a dilemma that becomes a problem not only for the animals themselves, but also for the community in which they live. The animal protection association sees an urgent need for action and hopes to quickly receive answers about the origin of the ball pythons.