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Approach with caution Continued from page 1 7 · Wednesday, October 12, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Jones said the snake was moving very slowly and was easy to capture probably because the weather was very cold that day. A second snake, identified as a regular ball python of around three feet in length, was found and captured on Thanksgiving Day while a third snake succeeded in escaping into the rock pile. The Oakville & Milton Humane Society's Brenda Dushko said both captured snakes were thin and dirty and are currently being examined by a veterinarian trained in exotic species. Dushko said the humane society hopes to capture the third snake as soon as possible as ball "I am a very concerned resident, I have two kids and two small dogs (including a Chihuahua) which are always playing outside in our backyard and in front of the house where the snakes were found." Oscar Salguero, Oakville resident a warm spot and survive the winter, which will allow for more breeding in the spring." Not likely, said Dr. Wolfgang Zenker, a local veterinarian who specializes in reptile medicine. The ball python, he said, is a tropical python, which is particularly temperature sensitive and as such, if not found soon, will likely die in the upcoming weather conditions. Zenker also said these snakes do not grow very large, are not dangerous, and that the markings visible in a photo of one of the captured snakes indicates that snake was bred in captivity. Dushko said ball pythons are generally pretty docile and tend to curl up SUBMITTED PHOTO in a ball if frightened (hence the name). HEALTHIER SPECIMEN: One of several pythons She did, however, caution anyone found in north Oakville last week. who sees the remaining snake to contact the shelter at 905-845-1551 and not try to handle or disturb it as pythons are native to Africa and cannot survive any snake, if threatened enough, may bite. Canada's cold winter temperatures. As the snakes are probably exotic pets that The presence of the snakes has raised consider- were abandoned, Dushko said the Oakville & able concern among some of the residents who Milton Humane Society would like to remind the live in the Valley Heights area. community that it is a resource in the event resi"I am a very concerned resident, I have two dents can no longer care for their pets. kids and two small dogs (including a Chihuahua) "Choosing to own an exotic pet is a big responwhich are always playing outside in our backyard sibility as they often grow larger than most people and in front of the house where the snakes were can accommodate, require really specific care and found," said Oscar Salguero, local resident. are hard to re-home if you can't keep them any "They might be able to dig a deeper hole or find longer," said Dushko. SUBMITTED PHOTO IN NEED OF CARE: A malnourished python found in north Oakville last week. SAVE A 15% SAVE A 20% 568 Kerr Street, Oakville · 905-842-6960 when you spend when you spend www.partiesnmore.ca $40 or more $100 or more We carry costumes, wigs and makeup k year round EXPIRES OCTOBER 31 2011 WEBSITE CODE 103111 * before taxes - Not valid on balloon orders or helium tank rentals. Cannot be combined withh any other offe f rs or discounts limit one coupon per family/per day - valid on in stock merchandise only THE PLACE FOR ALL YOUR HALLOWEEN NEEDS Crazy contact lens available here! Costumes start at $19.99 Correction In a Letter to the Editor in the Friday, Oct. 1 Oakville Beaver article, Thanks from first Give the Gift of Life Walk event, , included an incorrect name and title. The correct information thanked Terry y Young, g, chair of the Kidney Foundation of f Canada. The Oakville Beaver regrets the error and any inconvenience it may y have caused. Hundreds of costumes to choose from. Custom orders are welcome. Ask one of our friendly staff for help. Costumes · hats & wigs · make up · accessories 568 Kerr St., Oakville Open Year Round! 100% Canadian owned & operated 905.842.6960 www.partiesnmore.ca San Sa n Pe Pell lleg ll egri eg gri rino ino Wat ater Chianti Red Wine or Chorizo Salami The Italian Food Shop 750 ml Unti ntil l Oct. Oc 23rd, 2011 1 Unt ntil O Oct. ct. 23rd, 2 2011 011 $ $ 3 99 Until Oct. 23rd, 2011 201 0 1 Family Size Cannelloni Large Cannelloni V until Oct. 23rd, 2011 Valid Not to be combined with any other offers. 12 00 9 pieces $ 2100 2501 Prince Michael Dr (at Dundas St.) (905) 257-9200 14 pieces www.palmapasta.com Hours: Monday to Friday 9 am - 7 pm, Saturday 9 am - 6 pm , Sunday 10 am - 4 pm V until Oct. 23rd, 2011 Valid Not to be combined with any other offers. www.palmapasta.com 99¢ $ 99 4