Python Goes Home

Fran Swallow, the 11-foot, 50-pound Burmese python that two Riverside County Animal Services officers retrieved from a man's front yard Sunday night is now home.

The Department of Animal Services received contact from the presumed owner on Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday morning (Aug. 19), employees at the Riverside Animal Shelter gingerly placed the big snake into a sack commonly used for such reptiles.

Animal Services Operations Chief Lori Neddermann, a former field officer, and three other colleagues, handled the placement of Fran Swallow into the sack.

Animal Control Officer Dylan Gates -- one of the two officers that wrangled the python Sunday night -- inspected the python's holding case on Wednesday morning. He was satisfied the snake would not get out again and headed back to his truck to carry the snake inside the home near Lake Elsinore.

Attached is a short video clip showing Animal Services handling the snake. KNBC's Hernan Vazquez filmed the event too. During one moment the snake hissed at his camera.

And there was one tense moment when Lori didn't think she could quite let go of the snake's head .... But all worked out well ....

Thanks for all your interest in this story. We're happy the python is now home where its owner pampers and loves his snake.