Who would want a snake as a pet? Before you rush to the local pet shop, consider the cautionary tale of Patricia Cook, a resident of South Africa.
Patricia’s love for these slithering creatures knew no bounds. She kept not just one or two, but a total of 13 snakes, housed in glass tanks surrounding her bed. Each snake was given a playful name, like Terry and Tricky, as if they were her own children. To ensure her scaly companions were well-fed, Patricia even began breeding mice and rats in her bathroom.
Amongst her collection was a particularly deadly specimen: a 10-year-old, one-metre long Cottonmouth snake (left). Patricia had owned this venomous reptile since it emerged from its egg. Cottonmouths are known for their distinctive behaviour when threatened: they open their mouths wide, revealing the bright white lining that earned them their name. Tragically, this was likely one of the last sights Patricia ever witnessed.
The authorities were alerted when Patricia failed to respond to phone calls. Upon breaking into her home, they made a grim discovery: Patricia’s lifeless body, the upper portion turned a deep, dark colour, revealing the strength of the snake venom that had claimed her life.
The circumstances surrounding Patricia’s death serve as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in keeping such dangerous animals as pets. While the allure of these exotic creatures may be strong, their care and containment require an expert’s touch and unwavering vigilance. The fate of Patricia Cook stands as a cautionary tale, urging would-be snake owners to carefully consider the gravity of their decision before taking the plunge.
Do Snakes Make Good Pets?
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