13-Foot Python Loose In Oklahoma City Trailer Park

The hunt for a killer is underway at a southeast Oklahoma City mobile home park. Those living in the Burntwood community near southeast 89th and south Bryant Avenue reported cats have been going missing for months and now believe a 13-foot reticulated python is the culprit.

It is believed the python has doubled in size since it escaped in early summer. An expert warns residents to not attempt to pick it up or capture the snake themselves.

Trevor Bounds with Red Beard Wildlife Control said the python creating alarm in the mobile home park is the largest snake he has ever been hired to capture.

“It’s roughly about three or four inches wide,” said Trevor Bounds, Red Beard Wildlife Control. “It’s a pretty good size snake especially when you think 13 feet long.”

Bounds said the reptile has likely been feeding off house cats, rodents, and other wildlife to survive.

“I think that’s why the size grew so big in a short amount of time,” said Bounds. “Is unlimited animals out there.” 

Burntwood management recently warned residents about the slithering suspect most likely someone's pet that got loose. Management would not comment about the danger to residents or allow News 9 on property. The expert said the reticulated python will not bother residents unless they try to handle it.

“It’s been out there for five or six months so at this point it is un-handable, it’s not going to be chill,” said Bounds. “But it’s not really the bite, it’s the wrapping up. You know the constricting.”

Bounds will set a special trap with cameras, so he will be alerted when the snake is caught. He said that could take days or up to two weeks.

“It all comes down to when was the last meal and when will it go out searching for food,” said Bounds.

Bounds said snakes in general including the python will hide out in crawl spaces or attempt to slither up gutters to get into attics. The cooler months are Bounds’ peak season for catching the unwanted visitors in homes.