Snakes Stolen From Fla. Classroom

Two large exotic snakes were stolen from an Eastside High School science classroom late Saturday.

The snakes, an Argentine boa constrictor and African ball python, were taken from a portable building used as an ecology classroom, according to a police release.

"We feel that a student took the snakes or that a student told someone about the location of the snakes," Alachua County spokesman Keith Faulk said.

However, Faulk said one of the stolen snakes is due for a meal and may get aggressive.

Each snake is worth between $200 and $500. Whoever took the snakes did not steal the most aggressive snake, a Malaysian green tree python worth approximately $700, Faulk said.

The python is known to bite and leave a nasty wound, Faulk said, adding that "someone had to know not to mess with it."

Police believe whoever stole the snakes knew them well because they avoided the most aggressive snake.

The stolen snakes are large but not poisonous. The African ball python grows up to 6 feet, while the Argentine boa constrictor grows up to 10 feet.

"Just like any other wild creature, you can't count on their actions," Faulk said. "These things get hungry, and they tend to be aggressive."

A $200 reward is being offered to anyone with information leading to the recovery of the snakes.

If anyone has information about the break-in, contact Alachua County Sheriff's office at (352) 955-1818 or call anonymously at (392) 372-STOP.

http://www.alligator.org/pt2/060124snake.php

Well, I had gotten a little backed up on the news the last week or so. the above article was actually reported two days ago and today it was reported that the two snakes had been recovered from an area home.
A pet store called the police to report someone trying to sell the snakes. One of the students is suspected in the theft.

I couldn't copy the text of the news article due to a glitch in that website.