Sammy the 17-foot python still missing in Meadow Lakes

Mat-Su Borough Animal Control (MSBAC) officials continue their search for "Sammy", a 17-foot albino Burmese python reported missing Tuesday.

According to Mat-Su Public Affairs Director Patty Sullivan, as of Wednesday afternoon, the latest update provided by the borough, MSBAC animal care officer Darla Erskine was scouring the West Mallard Lane area of Meadow Lakes in search of the non-venomous, 100-pound snake. Sammy is hard to miss if spotted with his yellow and white markings.

It was reported that the snake had just consumed five rats and a 25-pound rabbit on April 24, the last confirmed sighting. Since they are nonvenomous, Burmese pythons are legal to own in Alaska. Because a snake is cold-blooded, recent cool Mat-Su nights could have caused the snake’s metabolism to slow substantially, putting into a hibernation-like stupor. When this occurs, a snake generally seeks a man-machine made or natural heat source.

On Wednesday, Sullivan said "...only bunny and cat sightings" had been reported in the neighborhood. West Swan Lake and South Rainbow Street residents have also been asked to keep an eye out for Sammy. According to Sullivan, the snake is not prone to attacking humans unless provoked. She said it could, however, pose a threat to pets and young children.

Erskine will continue traversing the neighborhood looking for the python. Mat-Su officials are asking residents to be vigilant on the property, keep an eye on small pets, and to make sure to put them in a secure shelter if unattended.

Anyone spotting Sammy is asked to call 911, the MSBAC at 761-7501 or MSBAC Director Kirsten Vesil at 761-7505.