Python that went missing during California fire is found

REDDING, Calif. – Residents of a Northern California neighborhood can breathe a sigh of relief now that a 14-foot python that went missing after a pet store was evacuated during a wildfire has been found safe.

Sandra Dodge-Streich, owner of Redding Reptiles, said the snake was placed in a plastic bin and brought to a home after flames moved closer last week. She said the lavender albino reticulated python named Eres slithered out of the bin Saturday.

During a search of the neighborhood in South Redding, residents were urged to keep their small pets indoors – though Dodge-Streich said the snake really only has an appetite for chickens.

She told the Record Searchlight newspaper that Eres was discovered Monday coiled up in a milk crate.

She said the snake is doing well.