A giant snake turning up in a city trash trap might sound too bizarre to be real, but in Baltimore's Gwynns Falls, one of the stream's trash wheels pulled in a deceased 14-foot python along with the usual floating debris.
Here's what to know
CBS News Baltimore reported that the animal turned up in Gwynnda the Good Wheel of the West, one of the trash-collecting wheels that removes debris from the water running through Gwynns Falls Park.
On Instagram, Clearwater Mills' technical operations lead Cyril Appleby-Kellett later shared footage of the snake after it was pulled out of the wheel. It was identified as a 14-foot reticulated python.
Appleby-Kellett, who helps manage the trash wheels, said, "I don't know if it died first or it died later. But it washed down the river and the guys here at Wheelabrator left it for me. That's not AI. It doesn't smell like AI either."
Appleby-Kellett said he came across the snake while emptying the dumpster attached to the trash wheel. His video showed the python being lifted by cable and dropped onto a mound of collected trash.
"This thing could smell better," he noted. "I think this thing was in the river for a hot minute."
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He said his job can be "a little gross," but that "it never fails to be interesting."
What can be done?
Baltimore's trash wheels are designed to pull litter from local waterways. In this case, a machine built to intercept trash caught a massive dead snake as well. While this is obviously not ideal for Gwynnda the Good Wheel of the West, these trash interception systems do help keep our waterways cleaner.
The story also highlights that exotic animals are not compatible pets for most people. As Appleby-Kellett noted, the situation was "pretty sad, really."
He added, "It was probably somebody's pet and they miscalculated the responsibility in caring for a 14-foot python."
Before taking on a pet snake or any nontraditional animal, people need to understand its adult size, lifespan, enclosure needs, feeding requirements, and legal restrictions. Large constrictors require specialized care, secure housing, and years of commitment. If an owner can no longer care for an exotic pet, abandonment should never become the backup plan.
Where can I learn more?
This isn't the first time a giant snake has turned up in an unexpected place.
• In Wisconsin, a giant snake dumping mystery ended after its owner described a veterinary emergency.
• In Florida, a 12-foot python was captured and removed by a celebrated local snake handler.
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