A RARE pet python is on the loose in Gunnedah – and the owner wants your help to find it.
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Jannice Banks last saw her rare Honey Jungle Python, Lucy, at about lunchtime on Wednesday at her Blackjack Forrest Road home.
“I was cleaning her enclosure yesterday and I think I must not have locked the cage properly,” Ms Banks said.
“I’ve had her since I was 11-years-old, so she is now 12-years-old, obviously she is quite sentimental to me.”
Ms Banks said the snake was most likely outdoors and no threat to humans.
“I am almost 100 per cent confident she is outdoors,” she said.
“It’s a tropical python so basically that means it can’t really deal with the temperatures here, it’s too hot, it’s too dry and in winter it’s far too cold.
“Due to there being so many factors that don’t go in her favour such as climate and other threats it would be ideal to find her as soon as possible.
“Honestly, Lucy like all pythons, are non-venomous creatures due to their venom being sterile, so while they might look scary, they are in fact very safe.”
Ms Banks told The Namoi Valley Independent the rare breed of snake also held a high monetary value, as well as sentimental value.
“The Honey Jungle Python has only recent been taken off the extinction list,” she said.
“Because they make such good pets, breeders began to breed them more frequently and they have become really quite prolific.
“When I first got her 12 years ago she was worth around $30,000 due to being so rare and close to extinction, but now because they are so common I would say she would now be worth between $1,000 and $5,000 dollars.”
The Gunnedah woman said Lucy also has a big impact on the life of her friend Terry Watson.
“Terry loves to come and see Lucy,” Ms Banks said.
“Touching and handling Lucy really helps Terry with so many things and if I’m not here he helps take really good care of her.
“As well as that getting the snake as a gift 12 years ago was a big keystone moment in my life, having a living breathing creature to love really did point me in the direction of my future career with animals and in the media.
“She really is a lovely snake and does a lot of good for Terry and myself and a lot of people love her dearly.”
Ms Banks encouraged anyone who finds Lucy to contact her.
“Her markings are very distinctive, she has very pretty dark brown and golden patterns,” she said.
“I know not everyone likes snakes so the best advice I can give to anybody who does see Lucy is get in touch and keep an eye on her until I get there.
“I appreciate any help anyone can give me in reuniting with Lucy.”
Anyone who has seen Lucy can contact Jannice Banks on 0458 512 358.