Albino Burmese Python missing in South Toledo

An albino Burmese Python

Owners of small dogs may want to take caution when walking them in the Western Avenue and Airport Highway area.

A 4.5-foot long Albino Burmese Python has gone missing from its home on Western Avenue. His owner, Chad Luce, last saw the snake June 16.

“He somehow got out of his cage,” said Mr. Luce. “I’ve searched the house and he’s nowhere to be found.”

Otis, who was named after a character on the “Andy Griffith Show” by Mr. Luce’s dad, has a history of escaping his cage, but has never gotten out of the house before.

Mr. Luce acquired the 18-month old snake from a friend when the snake was a baby.

According to ReptileChannel.com, the Burmese Python (Python bivittatus) is one of the six largest snakes in the world, native to a large variation of tropic and subtropic areas of Southern- and Southeast Asia. Its albino form is especially popular. They are white with patterns in butterscotch yellow and burnt orange.

Burmese pythons eat amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals that vary in size from small rodents to deer

They are often found near water and are sometimes semi-aquatic, but can also be found in trees. Wild individuals average 12-feet long, but may reach up to 19 feet. They are good climbers.

Mr. Luce is offering a cash reward for the snake. He can be reached at 419-262-8936.