A Newport, Kentucky pet store owner is recovering in hospital after being attacked by a 20-foot, 125-pound python on Monday.
Terry Wilkins, the owner of Captive Born Reptiles, was cleaning out the snake’s cage with the help of Melissa McElfresh, a frequent customer, when the snake turned its head and bit him.
The snake then proceeded to wrap itself around Wilkins.
McElfresh said it was the scariest thing she’s ever witnessed.
“A horror movie in real life is what that was. It was probably the most scariest thing I’ve ever seen in my life and I’m still in shock over it.”
Within minutes of McElfresh frantically calling 911, officers Greg Rapberger and Daron Arnberg of the Newport Police Department arrived at the pet shop. Rapberger grabbed the python by its head while Arnberg uncoiled the reptile from Wilkins’ body.
“I saw him lying on the ground. I see a puddle of blood. He looks lifeless,” Arnberg told WLWT.
According to WLWT, Wilkins began breathing on his own after being released by the snake. He was then sent to hospital where he’s expected to recover.
Newport Police Chief Thomas Collins said his officers did a heroic thing for Wilkins, despite having no formal training on how to handle such situations.
“You’re not trained for this. This is just normal people doing courageous things. And there’s no doubt these two officers were very courageous in what they did,” Collins told WLWT.
Officials say the 20-foot python wasn’t used to being handled by people and that Wilkins was in compliance with Newport’s snake laws.
Comments