20-Foot Python on the Loose in Ozarks After Pet Escapes

Ben Trexel, who lives near Rogersville, Missouri, told the Springfield News-Leader he thought his pet snake escaped from his home last Thursday when a tree branch fell through the roof of the porch, where he kept the reptile in a cage.

"I don't want him killed," Trexel told the News-Leader. "But if someone feels threatened, I understand. He means a lot to my family. I don't want anybody harmed and I don't want him harmed."

Trexel went to his Facebook page to ask for help in locating SS Wraps. He said that SS stands for "Super Snake."

KSPR-TV news anchor Leigh Moody placed Trexel's message on a Facebook page she uses with the Springfield, Missouri, animal control shelter to identify lost and abandoned animals.

"I used to hand-feed him little baby pinkie mice," Trexel told the News-Leader of the snake he bought from a pet store nine year ago when it was only six inches long. He said SS Wraps now eats rabbits and chickens.

Opinions about the lost snake ranged widely on social media.

Man how you just lose a 20 foot snake 😑

— actually, idc 🙎🏾 (@MyLifeAsJ) May 22, 2017

PSA: Just heard on the radio that someone near the Rogersville/Springfield area lost their 20FT BURMESE PYTHON.

— Angela Hartman (@angiehart12) May 22, 2017

@springfieldNL Make owner pay for 1) hunt and capture 2) all damages associated. @CityofSgf ban these reptiles.

— (((Jim F))) (@HornintheOzarks) May 20, 2017

Lock up Ben till his snake is found...
This 20-foot python is on the loose in the Ozarks https://t.co/h3A9reZTWZ via @usatoday

— Bill Consler (@BillConsler) May 21, 2017

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