Skip navigation
advertisement

Man apparently strangled by pet boa constrictor

Authorities say Ohioan found dead with 13-foot snake around his neck

Video: Life  
Making a scene at the holiday office party
Dec. 21: Willie Geist consults an etiquette expert for tips on avoiding drunken disaster at the office holiday party.

  Photo features  
  More
AP
Year in Pictures 2009
Experience an audio slide show of the best news and sports images from around the world and close to home.
Image: Andrews Air Force Base
AP
PhotoBlog
View and discuss the pictures and issues that caught our eyes.
updated 6:08 p.m. ET Dec. 17, 2006

CINCINNATI - A 13-foot boa constrictor wrapped itself around its owner’s neck and killed the man in his home, authorities said.

An acquaintance found Ted Dres, 48, inside the snake’s cage Saturday and called police, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s office said.

The snake was still strangling Dres when deputies arrived, and the officers had to work with members of an animal protection group to remove the reptile, the sheriff’s office said.

Story continues below ↓
advertisement | your ad here

Dres’ snake will be kept at an animal shelter awaiting instructions from police or Dres’ family, said Andy Mahlman, spokesman for the Cincinnati Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

“People who keep these type of animals as pets should know exactly what they’re doing and what they’re capable of,” Mahlman said.

He said he has seen photographs of reptile owners posing with snakes coiled around their necks.

“They don’t realize they could be a few seconds away from death,” he said.

© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Sponsored LinksGet listed here
Online College Courses
Boost your career with an online Degree. Pick from Leading Colleges!
www.EarnMyDegree.com

Sponsored links

Resource guide