Python Smashed With Rocks ‘For Eating Possum’, Reptile Euthanized

A python was euthanized after someone hurled huge rocks after it ate a possum. The incident took place in Queensland, Australia, on Thursday.

Snake catchers responded to the scene after receiving a call from a woman stating that she found an injured snake. The woman stayed with the snake until the rescuers arrived at the scene. The reptile reportedly had a severely damaged spine which had snapped in three to four different areas and hence, had to be put down.

Stuart McKenzie, a snake catcher who responded to the scene, took to his Facebook page, Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers 24/7, to condemn the act.

“I am not sure why someone would do something like this. A snake eating a possum is a part of nature and happens quite regularly. There is no need to try and interfere especially once the possum was dead and the snake was halfway through eating it,” he wrote, adding that it was illegal to kill snakes.

He also said that trying to kill a snake puts a person in more danger than trying to escape from it. He mentioned that snakes don’t go out of their way to attack humans and only do so in order to defend themselves when they feel threatened.

“Snakes do not chase you so don't use that as an excuse. Don't tell me you were trying to save your kids or your pets. Because if you have time to walk away and grab the shovel and come back and kill the snake you certainly have time to grab your kids and pets and walk away from the snake and leave it alone,” he said.