Charles Darnell's 12-Foot Burmese Python Strangles Shaiunna Hare,2, to Death

I have never understood why people would want to have a python as a pet, because it can have deadly results. Charles Darnell, who owns a 12-foot pet Burmese python, found out the hard way. He woke up this morning and found his girlfriend's 2-year old daughter being strangled by his pet. According to Sumter County deputies, he stabbed the reptile, which was wrapped around the child's neck and pulled her away before calling 911. I had a friend in New York City who had a snake, although I am not sure of the specie, and it scared me so much that I would never go near his den where it was kept in a tank. That thing still scares me to this very day!

According to media reports, the snake apparently escaped from its cage overnight and strangled the girl, who was also bitten on the forehead. The child could not be revived. Get this, Darnell also owns a boa constrictor, but the snakes have not been removed from the house. Child endangerment charges need to be brought against this man for what happened to this poor child.

I am petrified of snakes, but I do know that pythons are extremely strong. They have enough power to literally asphyxiate you and break your bones as well. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, pythons are a nonnative species to Florida, though some Burmese pythons have been found in parts of Florida. A word of caution: anyone in Florida who comes across a python is urged to call wildlife officials at 888-404-FWCC. This is a sad case and I pray for the family of the victim.