Don’t panic ... but Skittles the snake has slithered off
A young Gozitan man is mounting a search for his three-year-old Brazilian Rainbow Boa after it went missing in Msida.
Named Skittles, the five-foot boa constrictor with a distinctive iridescent sheen, is very gentle and docile, according to its 21-year-old owner Stephan Mintoff.
Although the non-venomous snake went missing from his apartment in Triq Ta’ Xmiexi some two weeks ago, it was only yesterday that Mr Mintoff printed flyers and posted a Facebook comment asking for help from the public.
Despite making sure all the snake’s cubicle openings were closed after he cleaned it, Mr Mintoff believes Skittles escaped after some sand got stuck in the sliding doors of its compartment.
He immediately looked for her “all over the place” in his house and neighbourhood.
Since boas seek dark and humid places, Mr Mintoff appealed to Msida residents to look for the snake in bushes, cushion covers, bathrooms, behind the fridge, under sofas, in cupboards and garages.
But there was no need for panic. Skittles is “not aggressive at all, and is most probably too weak after two weeks missing”, according to its owner.
Skittles is “fully-legal” Mr Mintoff added, since she is not harmful and does not exceed the required length. He is willing to give a €50 reward for its return.
Anybody who is not scared of the snake is being asked by its owner to gently scoop it up from its belly and put it in a box. The reptile should not be touched from the top as it might become irritated, he added.
Luke Sultana, a veterinary surgeon with a special interest in exotic animals, confirmed the Brazilian Rainbow Boa was neither venomous nor aggressive.
However, he said the reptile should not be touched because it can still bite. Dr Sultana added that the snake had the potential to kill small animals, such as rabbits.
Veterinary doctor Trevor Zammit warned that each snake had its own character, irrespective of species.
“If you don’t know it, don’t touch it, and call the animal welfare officers. Nowadays, you wouldn’t even touch an abandoned bag you see on some pavement, for fear it might be dangerous, let alone an animal you can’t handle,” he said.
Dr Zammit said this was not the first snake to go missing in Malta, and the police were in the past called in after even larger snakes were sighted.
Anyone who comes across the boa is being asked to contact Mr Mintoff immediately on 7931 8517 or e-mail [email protected]m.
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mel muscat
Mar 1st, 05:20
mghandkomx idea ta xinhuma sriep ilkom tghidu cucati. ehe snakes can be tamed...trust me i got a 14ft snake which is tamer than my cat -.- they should be in the wildlife? ghandkom idea kemm jinqatlu sriep bladdoc al skin taghhom? they are facing extinction so le ma nahsibx li ghadu postom hemekk la l bniedem huwa egoist. and snakes dont eat ppl ffs! -.-
Andrea Cauchi
Sep 1st 2012, 14:46
There's so many excuses written against this snake being on the loose.
First off, the children in danger excuse - When i was younger, I used to live near some fields, and now in a village, I used to and still see the common black snakes, which weren't kept by humans therefore they weren't tamed nor used to a human. But I always knew what to stay away from, and if I saw one coming my way, I would head the other way. So if a kid goes ahead to play with it, it's the parents fault for not teaching them about such things and not just a snake which by the way they roam the streets and fields all the time, but they come out in dusk generally so we don't see them as often. This snake isn't going to kill anyone, it's not deadly only to a mouse and maybe a hamster. It could be a bee, a dog with rabies or any other bugs, pests, flowers with stinging stems. anything really. parents should also know the obvious thing that kids never surprise you, so your eyes should be on them all the time. Children are the parents responsibility. Not nature's.
Another excuse is not to import animals. In Malta we don't have much local pets. You might as well include all the foreign species of dogs, cats and other animals. Birds are kept in cages, it's not their natural habitat now is it? So if you're going to go ahead and say this snake shouldn't be kept as a pet, neither should all your birds and most people in Malta own or owned a bird. If it also didn't occur to you, wild animals or any kind generally have a larger life span when taken care of by a person then when kept in the wild, under good conditions of course. People who purchase exotic animals know they have a responsibility of trying to make it feel at home and it takes a harder job than taking care of a dog, but most who purchase such animals RESEARCH about the animal and know what they're doing.
A cobra had disappeared from a new york zoo and that's one of the most dangerous snakes. Experts had said, it always gives you a warning when attacking which is spreading it's hood. An had said if you spot it, just go the other way. It prefers to run away then attack you and that a very deadly snake. People should also consider skittles was used to the owner and his friends and not diseased, like snakes or rats in the streets. So people really are making a huge fuss for nothing and should see other 'dangers' if they consider this to be one. And should research about things before acting like they know what they're talking about.
Brian Slevin
Sep 1st 2012, 14:22
It will get the shoeing of a lifetime if I happen to run into it.
R Galea
Sep 1st 2012, 13:43
Jesus! This is a "harmless" snake which we know about! But do you know how many snakes in the grass are there outside??
Andrea Cauchi
Sep 1st 2012, 14:54
exactly! what people don't consider is that this snake was used to it's owner, kept inside and fed healthy mice, while other wild snakes, rats, stray dogs could be unhealthy. And there's dozens of such animals running around in the streets. This is just one snake the public knows of to keep a look out for so if seen its to be collected. But there's loads of other snakes which no one is going to do anything about it. All this complaining brings down people's efforts to find a missing pet. Why do you think he took so long to reach the public?
Ms Xixi Caruana
Sep 1st 2012, 08:35
As much as I hope it's found soon, I hope not to be the one to find it!!!! Just the thought of finding it in a cushion sends shivers down my spine !!!!! Terrified of snakes!!!!!
cain muliet
Sep 1st 2012, 01:54
5 foot brazillian rainbow boa i worrie more about the snake cos of an uneducated person that does not know anything about snakes and kills such a beautiful snake brazillian rainbow boas are incable of eating people there a slender type of boa cant eat people let alone kill there's no danger all you need is common seance and if you dont how to handle snakes call someone that does if you spot the snake.
Joseph Camilleri
Sep 1st 2012, 00:25
To all the clowns who think that by loving snakes and importing them is an achievement. Snakes belong to the wild
there are animals who get domesticated but there are always limits in every scale. Snakes should be left where they thrive in their own natural habitat. There are more people who dislike them than those who like them. They are by nature very sinister and can cause a lot of harm even by seeing it in close proscimity. I consider the egoism imposed on the larger majority of people that they are being imported selfishly as most irregular and unfair. I heard that they are even importing dangerous venomenous snakes. Well if they bite their owners good for them one pest less, but I dont want to be near this dangerous animal. Besides boa constrictors are by nature more dangerous than other small snakes since they can strangle anyone . They are extremely powerfull and the Government should legislate and outlaw such animals and even the international community should ban such exportation of these dangerous animals.
Andrea Cauchi
Sep 1st 2012, 14:59
excuse me, but there's maltese organizations who import such animals. Arctic foxes, zebras, skunks, deer, tigers and loads of other animals have been imported. They live longer being kept under a person's hands, in the wild they come across predator attacks easily. And this wasn't a boa constrictor, as always tabloids mess up information, It's a brazilian rainbow boa, one of the tamest species of boas. There have been larger and more dangerous snakes on the loose in Malta. Stop your fusses and whining and this is less dangerous then a wild snake that roams that streets as that could have diseases. While exotic animals that are domesticated are healthy. No need to be narrow minded about exotic animals. Do your research first then your opinion will be considered.
Brian Camilleri
Aug 31st 2012, 17:05
Quotes -"might kill a person" , "heart attacks" , "the whole island is in fear" , "alien species" , "blame the government" . "fine all those who own snakes" , "fatalities"....... Really???? seriously this is just a harmless snake not Gozilla on the lose.
C AZZOPARDI
Aug 31st 2012, 18:39
if you are used to these kind of things then good luck to you. but seriously most people including me do not know how to handle these things. let say it is in a public garden where children are playing and someone touches it? something serious could happen since as said by its owner it may get irritated if touched by the head!!
Twanny Scerri
Aug 31st 2012, 21:51
@C.Azzopardi
even a dog can get irritated...so what's your point?
Danielle Scerri
Sep 1st 2012, 01:20
Well said Brian :)
Brian Camilleri
Sep 1st 2012, 07:16
Mr or Mrs or Ms Azzopardi. It's simple, don't touch it. It's not a dinosaur. It's a domestic snake.
Mario Buhagiar
Sep 1st 2012, 11:35
@ C Azzopardi, For your information, there are four species of wild snakes in Malta, and they are venomous. This snake is petted and is probably docile and is non-venomous. It kills its prey by suffocating them, and it is probably too small and inexperienced to kill a human by suffocating them. So I'm more wary about the venomous bites of the wild snakes in Malta rather than this one snake
Joseph Camilleri
Aug 31st 2012, 16:20
I cant believe my eyes when I read this horrific article. I cant really come to terms about it . I for one am very afraid of snakes and If it is legal or not I really dont care. What I care is for the unfortunate person who is going to come face to face with it and it can kill the person just in fright. It is not fair that these snakes can escape and come in close contact with people friendly or not. We are really a country free for all.
If some elderly has the misfortune to come in contact it might be fatal for the elderly since they can have a heart attack if they suffer from it.
I would jail anyone who imports them.
This exotic animals should be banned from our islands for the very specif reason that they can live here in this heat and reproduce . The way we live cant be sustainable any more with snakes around us.
Shame on who gave them a permit
Andrea Said
Aug 31st 2012, 17:38
There are people who are severely afraid of dogs and clowns, should we jail their owners and make it illegal too?
Twanny Scerri
Aug 31st 2012, 21:49
I am afraid of people who decide on behalf of others what can and cannot be. The inquisition and the medieval ages are long gone so deal with it. If you want to dictate, go live on a desert island. And I bet that if you were elected to politics and did things your way, you wouldn't last a week. In Malta we live in a democracy. Scaremongering is not exactly the way forward.
cain muliet
Sep 1st 2012, 03:03
boa cant reproduce with maltese snakes to reproduce it must mate with another boa cant be sustainable in your mind, not every person that ownes snakes are irresponsible responsible snake owners whould do whatever they can for there snakes not to escape the owners snake is at his home it did not get out snakes hide for days in one spot the only way to find a snake is to wait for it to come out from where ever its hiding he thinks it got out of the house but its hiding somewhere were he cant get to it first thought of a snake is to hide safety for the snake is vital snakes dont move alot they stay in one spot they venture out only in search for food and after it feeds it hides in a warm place to digest it can take a week or more a 5 foot snake can last months with out food he states she is weak cos she has been missing for 2 weeks but she is not when she is hungry she knows snakes have good instincts, jail only who is irresponsible in owning snakes it seems that this country and any country when it comes to blaming they also blame responsible people if the person is irresponsible at owning snakes they should confiscated and given to serious responsible snake owners as for the irresponsible owner jail him for 6 months and take away his rights at owning snakes pro blame solved
Mandy Abela
Aug 31st 2012, 16:06
@ Twanny Scerri: Yes, dogs can be just as dangerous, and there should be stricter laws about letting them run loose in the roads. I cannot park in certain roads close to my house, because the people there leave their dogs running outside, and I can never be certain that they won't suddenly attack me. The Government shouldn't bad dogs, that's silly, but dog owners should be more respectful of other people.
victora dennis
Aug 31st 2012, 16:03
Read the times write up again!! not aggressive!! from the way people are talking on here it sounds like we all should be grabbing our pitch forks and torches and all go out finding the 'Beast'.
the only thing people need to know is if seen dont try to handle it because it maybe scared just contact the owner or officials, it's that simple! no need for panic Skittles wont come to you to gobble you up
just contact someone if you see it.
by the the way i hope Skittles get's home soon. xxx
Kevin Camilleri
Aug 31st 2012, 15:08
@ all those who are afraid of this snake.
Monday is supposed to rain people, since the snake is in Msida... it will end up in the sea, dragged by our natural river!
Steve Zammit
Sep 1st 2012, 01:05
natural river? oh you mean that river that floods after 5 mins of rain because some wise guys built up valley road, nice natural river indeed
Joseph Borg
Aug 31st 2012, 14:28
Altough it is said that this snake is not aggressive, I recommend that no one will try to capture him but inform the owner or officials immediately. If the snake is in extreme hunger he can even swallow humans less then 5feet.
cain muliet
Sep 1st 2012, 02:32
this type of snake is slender bodied its 5 foot but not heavy bodied get educated before you talk non seance stop scaring people a snake can last for months even years without eating and if it gets hungry it will prey on rats not people its scared of people more then people are of it i know snakes every brazzilian rainbow boas are slender for a snake to eat people it must be as thick as an green anaconda but even a thick bodied snake rarely whould eat people if it does happen its the owners and peoples faults if people like you learn about snakes maybe you would understand, people get killed alot more in car accidents and at work then by snakes a babie died not by a snake but drowned in the bath in Malta cos her mothers incompetence things are dangerous mostly if people dont use there common seance the way they should.
Mario Borg
Aug 31st 2012, 13:49
Eur.50??? I will be dead already if I had to see it... Can you specify which part of Msida I am so serious and would like to know I live there and it's not fair not telling us where exactly.....
Danielle Scerri
Aug 31st 2012, 14:10
It's harmless !!!!!!!!!
Patrick Sultana
Aug 31st 2012, 15:55
If you read the article it says Triq ix-Xmiexi. Google it on Google Maps!
Plus, honestly I think the snake is not going to stay in one place (creep creep).
:)
But on the other hand, honestly, Eur50 for a reward price, this guy really doesn't love his snake.
karl portelli
Aug 31st 2012, 13:44
I cant stand peoples comments such as "these animals belongs to the wild life its a cruelty keeping them in a cage, a Zoo i can understand but these are not house pets
for what just happen this is a wake up call even this poor boa is seeking for freedom".....
ALL animals belong in the wild, now who owns a pet it is up to them to give it enough space to be comfortable!!.... and most of the times these sort of pets are born in aqauriums!!... but still. Also to people who get scared cos on fb they saw a snake went missing... they dont get scared when a dog goes mising... its all in the head :/ .
A dog can attack humans and cause more damage and ingure than a snake that hides 80% of the time and does not like being seen.
I can immagine what this guy is pasing through and that he is a very serious owner who taks care of his pet since it lead him to posting on a newspaper!! so first of all thank him for telling us and for treating this pet with lots of care.... he could have just kept it a secret and looked for it himself. He deserves to get his pet back and keep it... people who took his advert badly or passed negative comments should look at what they do instead of judge others...
Danielle Scerri
Aug 31st 2012, 14:10
I agree with everything you just said !
Twanny Scerri
Aug 31st 2012, 14:25
Very well said Karl.
Danielle Scerri
Aug 31st 2012, 13:38
Poor snake, I hope someone finds it and doesn't kill it since it is only an animal and doesn't know what it's doing especially now since it hasn't got any food :/ please if someone knows where it is do call animal welfare so they can help it !
Patricia Mifsud
Aug 31st 2012, 13:27
GENTLE AND DOCILE SNAKE????? I consider myself a gentle and docile person but I would have to be restrained and probably heavily sedated (if I didn't get a heart attack first) if I came across a snake which is almost as long as I am tall.
And he's offering a fifty Euro reward for her return. What I'm thinking at the moment is unprintable.
Kindly make sure to inform us when she is found because I am feeling extremely uneasy with the knowledge of this reptile running loose.
I also fully agree with Keith Zerafa's comment below.
C AZZOPARDI
Aug 31st 2012, 15:07
TOTALLY AGREE. I AM REALLY SCARED AND WORRIED GOD KNOWS WHERE IT IS AFTER 2 WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!
cain muliet
Sep 1st 2012, 02:12
5 foot but a slender snake it cant and wont eat people its not a green anaconda and its not on the rampage for people.
Lucienne Dimech
Aug 31st 2012, 12:57
Why should anyone be allowed to keep such creatures? Aren't they a danger to the rest of us when something like this happens? Docile and harmless as it may be it still terrifies most of those who come across it.
Twanny Scerri
Aug 31st 2012, 14:24
My wife has a dog phobia. So I should ask the Govt to ban them?
cain muliet
Sep 1st 2012, 02:39
it terrifies only people that are uneducated when it comes to snakes you keep dogs but do you hear a person like me that keeps these creatures saying dogs and cats should not be allowed how would you feel these exotic creatures should not be allowed only to irresponsible people.
joe briffa
Aug 31st 2012, 12:48
All snakes bite,just as do all cats,dogs,horses,rats,rabbits and people so what is the big deal?What about loose dogs on a crowded beach? Are they all so friendly with children?,Veru qatt ma hrigtu mid-dar ta!!!!!
Mandy Calleja
Aug 31st 2012, 12:36
Hope you find him soon :)
Wilfred Camilleri
Aug 31st 2012, 12:30
Point 1 : If someone spots it don't kill it - just stay away and call animal welfare they will handle it
Point 2 : Keepers of such animals should be very very careful - the responsibility or caring to any animal is big - but these exotic animals I think its greater -
Point 3: There are people who are phobic of these animals and just the post on facebook yesterday triggered huge fear.
Point 4 : Why is it but that whenever something happens on this island whatever that might be we are like facing a holocaust - if we react more rational and aim towards solving a problem it would be such a more peaceful island :)
V. Cauchi
Aug 31st 2012, 12:51
Point 4 begs the question: Why cannot we be more rational in our initial decisions and state clearly and unequivocally in the House what government's policies are about these creatures? The recent horde found a few days ago in Balzan shows that someone is not out on the search for such eventualities, that bigger snakes have been let on the loose, that a tiger has been kept on a rooftop, that iguanas are kept in houses, that brutal dogs are taken out on the streets even if on a leash, and countless other stories. Can we afford this fear in our tiny island? Who is responsible for these creatures in Malta... or are they perhaps only out on bail?
Mandy Calleja
Aug 31st 2012, 12:52
Well said :)
Danielle Scerri
Aug 31st 2012, 13:38
Well said wilfred
Warren J. Borg Ebejer
Aug 31st 2012, 13:47
One of the most sensible comments I have see so far.
cain muliet
Sep 1st 2012, 04:41
depends on what exotic animal eg tigers are more work then a snake a domestic horse is more work then a snake horse eats defecates and urinates every day a snake eats every once a week and defecates every week or 2 weeks depending the snake boas have a slow metabolism as for colobrids like king snakes defecate once every 3 days cous there metabolism is faster cos there metabolism is fast they must be fed once a week as for boas and pythons when they reach semi adult stage they can be fed every 2 weeks and as they reach adult hood for a 5 foot boa 3 weeks for a 20 foot snake such as the Burmese python once a month on rabbits and chickens.
Mr Adrian Zahra
Aug 31st 2012, 12:27
Such alien and dangerous species can be of a great damage if left unattended and unsupervised. Any "legally" imported individual of such species should be covered with a license and subject to annual inspection to ascertain their whereabouts. Owners should be liable to inform the authorities when such a species goes missing or dies.
A Bonett
Aug 31st 2012, 13:08
I know the feeling Mr. Zahra. If you just look around you and see what the most intelligent and superior animal of all (human being) has done to the environment, you wouldn't be so surprised !!!
Keith Zerafa
Aug 31st 2012, 12:23
these animals belongs to the wild life its a cruelty keeping them in a cage, a Zoo i can understand but these are not house pets
for what just happen this is a wake up call even this poor boa is seeking for freedom
Twanny Scerri
Aug 31st 2012, 14:22
tell that to the birds.
cain muliet
Sep 1st 2012, 04:22
these animals know a days are all captive born and raised non are wild caught this boa is captive born and raised this poor boa is hiding somewhere snakes feel stressed in wide open places for a snake alot of space is suicide in the wild there prey a snake is pure instinct it sees humans as predators it wont think of coming up to people its scared these captive born and raised snakes are used to being in vivariums not how you call it cages a snake hides most of the time even in the wild the only time they go out is when its time to bask and take in some heat from the sun then they hunt after they warmed up when there done from eating they seek shelter to digest there prey that will take weeks or more depending on the snakes metabolism. captive born snakes do fine in vivariums eg if the snake is 5 feet a 4 feet 2 feet deep and 3 feet tall vivarium would do fine the most important thing is the heat not the space when it comes to snakes if you keep a snake out of a vivarium with no heat it will die a snake like this will not do well in winter, its a tropical snake that loves both heat and humidity if it does not find water it will get dehydrated to find water in summer Malta is hard.
Mr Jimmie Rowe
Aug 31st 2012, 12:22
The last time i saw something that resembles the SNAKE in the picture is when i went to pay my water and electricity bill, there she was sitting behind the desk telling me to pay cash, but this one was wearing a pair of glasses and she had a moustache to add to the snake features. Have a nice weekend and lighten up Gozo.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Aug 31st 2012, 12:36
Best comment of the year! Hilarious!
Etienne Galea
Aug 31st 2012, 12:11
If it bites a grownup it might not be that serious, but what about a child? Besides, being bitten by a snake is not an everyday thing in Malta, is it? Can anyone foresee consequences such as the shock a victim could suffer?!?!?! And a shock could have serious consequences.
Twanny Scerri
Aug 31st 2012, 14:22
and if a dog bites a child? Or a horse kicks a child? Or a cat scratches a child? What then? Should we ban all animals?
Ms Sylvia Zammit
Aug 31st 2012, 12:07
He sure took his time! What has it been feeding on these weeks? I'd hate to know!
r buttigieg
Aug 31st 2012, 20:00
rats, birds or cats maybe?? reptiles have a low metabolic rate they can go on without food for weeks
Charles Vella
Aug 31st 2012, 12:05
People who hold such creatures as pets, should be HEAVILY fined, and the creature sent to it's natural habitat! What if this snake is seen in the road or on a pavement... it will defenately kill me with a shock!
Thank you Mister Government for making this things ALLOWED! SHAME ON YOU!!
Isabelle Luca Borg
Aug 31st 2012, 12:46
Hmmm...how can I put this nicely? Oh well, here goes.
GET A LIFE and stop blaming everything on the government. Just because you wouldn't keep a snake as a pet, doesn't mean that others shouldn't...and as long as the owner gives it enough space, takes care for it and doesn't hurt it, I cannot see why he shouldn't be allowed to have a pet snake.
Oh and another thing, the reason we are still stuck fil 'Medjuevu' are people like you, armchair critics, who criticize but never take any action. Have a nice day.
Danielle Scerri
Aug 31st 2012, 14:08
You are the type of Maltese which makes me hate this island even more. 1st of all it's not the governments fault 2nd its harmless 3rd you don't like snakes could for you, I don't like you but unfortunately you are not banned from this country...also if you don't like the government then you can leave :)
Twanny Scerri
Aug 31st 2012, 14:21
@Isabelle Luca Borg.
I pressed the 'like' button
Mr John Borg
Aug 31st 2012, 16:51
@ Danielle Scerri
"make me hate this island even more"
If you hate this island...then why don't you leave?
Danielle Scerri
Sep 1st 2012, 01:17
@ Mr John Borg I will once I graduate :)
Franco Farrugia
Aug 31st 2012, 11:47
Dr Trevor Zammit: 'Nowadays, you wouldn’t even touch an abandoned bag you see on some pavement, for fear it might be dangerous,..'
Nice way of encouraging people to be generous and kind fo strays!
Twanny Scerri
Aug 31st 2012, 14:20
Same as you are being kind and generous towards something you have no inkling about...hence; Il-Babaw
Franco Farrugia
Aug 31st 2012, 11:43
I still ask myself what the good sense is, in having such an animal in our country.
I must be ignorant, stupid, unintelligent, whatever ... but try as I might, I cannot for the life of me accept a situation where we have exotic animals like this boa, in our country. This is not love for animals - this is just abuse of animals and I ask you all once again to watch my lips: A-B-U-S-E!
This is animal abuse, because animals are not there to satisfy human beings' whims and fancies of ownership.
Animals should not be abused in order to bring about some kind of live collection! How this boa managed to enter customs, beats me.
Isabelle Luca Borg
Aug 31st 2012, 12:47
Oh I don't know, but he must've been wearing a cowboy hat, large shades and a hoody and obviously handed his passport to customs on his way out, collected his luggage and into a waiting taxi.
Peter Bonello
Aug 31st 2012, 13:24
the same thing applies to every bird, any fish in an aquarium, probably even cats!
Twanny Scerri
Aug 31st 2012, 14:19
@ Franco Farrugia
And what prey tell is your experience with these sort of reptiles? How did you arrive to the conclusion that it is A-B-U-S-E? Before you rush to give me your expert opinion, please note that today's socially accepted pets where once running wild. If you do not have direct experience with the subject, please refrain from stating 'facts'.
C. Spiteri
Aug 31st 2012, 15:04
You like cats. Other people like snakes. Deal with it.
M Cassar
Aug 31st 2012, 11:37
Can someone explain the phrase 'does not exceed the required length' please, i.e. what happens to a snake once it exceeds the required length exactly? I am assuming that one can not stop a snake from growing if it is genetically capable of doing so right?!
Danielle Scerri
Aug 31st 2012, 13:58
Once they grow older which in this case it is old they only grow like 1cm every 5 years
anthony sultana
Aug 31st 2012, 11:02
Missing people ,missing snake, what is going on.If one is scared of that snake, than you realy have a long problem, because you are scared of the most gentle creatures.
Brian Simmons
Aug 31st 2012, 10:56
If it has a name, has he tried just calling it?
Siobhan O'Sullivan
Aug 31st 2012, 12:59
HAHA! wait, a commentor with a sense of humour? you must be an exotic creature Brian, sorry we're going to have to put you down!
K Cassar
Aug 31st 2012, 10:56
u ejja x'intkom ezzagerati!!!!!!!!!!
Alfred Cassar
Aug 31st 2012, 10:51
Malta is full of snakes, you see them wherever you go, they are usually well dressed. Having another one amongst us , doesn't make much difference.
I Azzopardi
Aug 31st 2012, 10:37
This snake is not any more dangerous than any other living being including us humans. It is a legal non-venomous creature which I assure you is less dangerous than a dog or a horse in the streets. Why is everyone complaining? All you see on ToM is COMPLAINING. Just try to give this young lad a hand and get over it. I'm out of here.
J Drury
Aug 31st 2012, 10:30
How Irresponsible!! These Exotic animals should be banned at once! Do we have to wait for a fatal 'accident' as always here in Malta, before the right thing is done?
Mandy Calleja
Aug 31st 2012, 12:35
This snake is not going to cause a fatal accident... it can only bite... dogs can do more harm than it -_-
Danielle Scerri
Aug 31st 2012, 13:58
They are harmless so what's the point of banning them?
Elvin Muscat
Aug 31st 2012, 10:28
Rubbish, absolute lies, someone threw a snake into our garden which was probably an unwanted pet after it grew too big and we phoned every department. These included the animal rescue, the SPCA, the police and various vets, the answer we always got was, sorry its not our department, we don't understand in snakes.
We all know that people collect exotic animals, and yet there is no one that handles these emergencies. About the snake, we strange as it may be our dog killed it.
On another note, we spoke to several departments to help us with the invasion of hedgehogs in a garden in Msida, and again there was no help from anyone, well our keen hunter dog keeps killing many of them that we don't save unfortunately, and yet nobody cares. If anyone can help or know anyone that can help, kindly reply to my comment, thanks.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Aug 31st 2012, 12:40
What about setting up traps for the hedgehogs and once caught, release them in the countryside? You can make a simple trap yourself - unless you want to use rat traps, the ones that close after the rat goes into the trap. Please try to save the hedgehogs as there are not many left.
Rita D'Amato
Aug 31st 2012, 13:19
What a pity! hedgehogs surely won't do any harm and its species is decreasing especially here in Malta! it's true that if it's a problem for you and you didn't find any response from authorities such as those dealing with animals, you had no other choice but if there is a next time try & make an announcement like on FB etc, i'm sure someone will turn up with a solution!!
Elvin Muscat
Sep 1st 2012, 19:47
I did many times, yes we've managed to catch a few but the other half I am afraid fall victim to my pet dog. What can one do, with buildings going up everywhere, we've become one of the only gardens available in the neighbourhood and we are envied (in a bad way) by one and all. We were even told by an inexperienced assistant at the SPCA to put the dog down. But I put that down to inexperience, if anyone knows a way I'm all ears.
Etienne Galea
Aug 31st 2012, 10:28
Ahhhh, my mind is at rest. The snake is gentile. I am sure he will bow his head if anyone meats him! Come on, any animal which is hungry will instinctively switch to hunting mode, hence to be aggressive.
Ms Sandra Grech
Aug 31st 2012, 16:59
Also it's a constrictor so obviously it's not venomous as it kills by constricting no? Can't it slip through an open window and strangle a young child while asleep?
Carlo Micallef
Aug 31st 2012, 10:27
Potentially dangerous exotic snakes, spiders and other insects and reptiles should not be allowed into our country. Unwittingly we have already introduced other less dangerous but highly irritating and damaging insects like the infamous Tiger mosquito and a number of butterflies and insects that are causing big damage to our gardens and indigenous trees and shrubs.
Matt Borg
Aug 31st 2012, 10:12
So for some negligence of Mr Mintoff in not double checking if 'some sand got stuck in the sliding doors of its compartment', people should be careful if this thing is either in their sofa cushion, behind the fridge or in the bathroom tub! What if it bites a baby???
Instead of publicly saying that whoever finds the snake will get a €50 reward, I would rather fine the guy for this stupid negligence and confiscate the reptile!
V. Cauchi
Aug 31st 2012, 10:09
This will raise the debate again of how wise it is to keep exotic animals in such heavily built up areas as in Malta. Even if an animal is not poisonous or dangerous it could give a person the scare of his life and die of a heart attack or provoke illnesses caused by sudden fear which would not have otherwise affected such person. What about the tiger on the rooftop, it was legal too. Given our lackadaisical character of doing things, especially during the hot summer months, and the tantrums these exotic animals may have more than humans in warm humid climates, I appeal to the authorities to address the problem and not to let it go by with shut eyes.
Mr Ernest Vella
Aug 31st 2012, 10:01
The idea...live and let live comes in mind...shame...neither Msida residents can sleep well
J Degabriele
Aug 31st 2012, 10:00
Are these types of animals allowed into Malta? No matter how docile they are, if one happens to 'meet' one unexpectedly, it could send one into decline!
Franco Farrugia
Aug 31st 2012, 11:45
That is not the main worry: the main worry is that using animals for a mere 'collection' is clear A-B-U-S-E.
Then there is the fact that you don't know how such 'foreign' animals are going to 'behave' within our island flora and fauna, the ecological state of the islands!
Peter Shaw
Aug 31st 2012, 09:57
Il valenu f'ilsna ohrajn qieghed !!!
Marianne Tabone
Aug 31st 2012, 11:22
Ghandek ragun mija fil-mija! Hawn hafna ilsna hziena kull fejn iddawwar wiccek. Issa dwar is-serp. Dan mhux se tmur taqbdu bl-addocc imma jekk ma taghtihx fastidju u ccempel jew lil sidu jew l-Animal Welfare mhux se jigrilek xejn! Mhux li kien narah jien! Issa fl-ahhar irrid nghid li post kreaturi ezotici bhal dawn, fl-opinjoni tieghi mhux posthom la f'Malta u anqas u anqas fid-djar! Nahseb li posthom fis-selvagg fejn suppost jghixu! Imma la qieghed hawn ma nippruvawx inbezzghu bla bzonn! Hawn min hu lest li joqtol bl-addocc m'hemmx bzonn inkunu ahna li nkomplu nistigawh!
E Schembri
Aug 31st 2012, 09:56
"Skittles is “fully-legal” Mr Mintoff added, since she is not harmful and does not exceed the required length."
Yes but after two weeks on the run, none can be sure that it has managed to survive on strays and other good meals. So what are the possibilities it has frown and become stronger?
It might not be a threat to humans, but what about pets?
Exotic animals should be banned.
Colin Stanley
Aug 31st 2012, 10:13
poisonous and dangerous animals, and spiders should be banned, say someone has a little crocodile, gets fed up of it and dumps it some where .
Brandon Spiteri
Aug 31st 2012, 11:55
Why should exotic animals be banned?? Sometimes they are the only alternative pets for children living in an apartment as they are silent. Exotic pets are not the only animals that can be dangerous..
Danielle Scerri
Aug 31st 2012, 14:01
They shouldn't be banned Because they are animals and every animal knows how to love when brought up with humans!!!! Honestly instead of worrying about yourselves you should worry about skittles and that it MIGHT DIE!!!
cain muliet
Sep 1st 2012, 02:08
should be banned you know what i think exotic animals should not be allowed to irresponsible people responsible owners do not deserve to be blamed to solve a problame my friend first you need common seance banneing exotic animals can still cause bigger problames.
Michael Zarb
Aug 31st 2012, 09:47
"Dr Sultana added that the snake had the potential to kill small animals, such as rabbits."...as well as new born babies. These incidents have gone very wrong in the past (at least internationally) and I would appreciate if the issue would be dealt with urgently.
Emotional 911 Call in Deadly Python Attack: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=7986040&page=1#.UEBrhNbiafI
cain muliet
Sep 1st 2012, 03:58
small animals such as small or medium rats as for rabbits small brazzilan rainbow boas are slender boas there not the bulky type they are long snakes but with a slender body as for new born babies its a myth for brazzlian rainbow boas to eat a new born babie the owners snake is hiding somewhere at his home he thinks its out but its not the only way he can or anybody else find the snake is to wait for the snake to come out.
Mario Camilleri
Aug 31st 2012, 09:38
"this was not the first snake to go missing in Malta, and the police were in the past called in after even larger snakes were sighted" WHAAAAAATTTTT????
Nice one, so I cannot let my dog unleashed and yet now we know there are foreign species such as snakes and in this case CONSTRICTORS which are not native to our Islands roaming in the fields and God knows where else. What about spiders, flies that are cultivated for reptiles and other insects?
This is where there is serious business - http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/import/live-animals
A Spiteri
Aug 31st 2012, 10:24
99% of dogs in Malta are not Native species either, whats your point?
Mario Camilleri
Aug 31st 2012, 12:45
I bet you know quite a lot about dogs!! But rest assured that at least a dog can be trained, tamed and domesticated whereas a snake cannot. A dog's diet can vary depending on the owner's up bringing and can therefore eat dry, wet, cooked or raw food (food on a prepared menu).
But can you or anyone else guarantee that a snake can be trained the same way a dog can especially constrictors whom by nature eat nothing except live stock or even human babies hence the name constrictor na d depending on the snake's size? And for your information, dogs have been around on our islands for a very very long time whereas until for the last 10 years or so the only three species of snakes two of which are the brown and the black which are not seen very often since they live in fields and the 'lifa' were the only native species.
Adding to this all "domesticated dogs" by law have to be micro-chipped thereby the "domesticated dogs" are someone's repeatability, but a roaming snake, who's responsible should a stray snake kill?
Danielle Scerri
Aug 31st 2012, 14:04
I'm sorry but did you ever have a snake? I'm guessing not so you don't know if they can be tamed or not which btw they can :) also you aren't meant to leave your dog unleashed cause if he accidentally runs in the street or something he can get hurt or even die and that will be your responsibility so instead of saying against it try and help this man find it cause if it was your dog who is lost you would want it back !
Colin Camilleri
Aug 31st 2012, 09:33
Of course, not dangerous?? Are you serious? With these exotic animals, we are just waiting for some fatal incident. I have seen boas/phytons (even anacondas) for sale on Maltapark that span over 2 mtrs and close to 3! How can one guarantee safety with this exotic animals? These are not suitable for such a small island like Malta.
Look what happened in Florida after many realised they couldn't afford such exotic animals any more!
Who will take responsibility for any fatal incidents?
Dominic Chircop
Aug 31st 2012, 11:55
Don't worry Colin. You live in a country where your government takes caore of you, body and soul.
It is a pity that lately he is only trying to take care of your soul only !!
Danielle Scerri
Aug 31st 2012, 14:06
This snake is kept inside! And honestly it is harmless the least you could do is call animal welfare to help it instead if running away !!!!
cain muliet
Sep 1st 2012, 02:00
florida they escaped cous people that are not serious reptile owners and cos of there incompatence serious reptile owners are also getting the blame why should the serious reptile owners also get the blame.
Ms Xaxa Caruana
Aug 31st 2012, 09:33
Lets hope she is found safe.......
R. Azzopardi
Aug 31st 2012, 09:24
coochie, coochie cooh. Ain't she cute :)
Joseph Bajada
Aug 31st 2012, 09:34
No i have snakes ...whatever they look like
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