Pet Shop Owner Attacked By 20ft Python During Snake Welfare Demonstration

A pet shop owner had the Monday morning to beat all Monday mornings - he was nearly crushed to death by a 125-pound python.

Terry Wilkens from Captive Born Reptiles in Newport, Kentucky, was showing Melissa McElfresh how to correctly feed the 20ft snake and clean its cage.

In a split second the snake attacked, and Mr Wilkens was only saved once two police officers wrenched the python from his unresponsive body

Ms McElfresh told NBC 5 News: ‘I saw the snake’s head turn and I told him, I said, “Terry be careful; he’s looking at you,” and he said, “It’s all right,” and no sooner he said that, just as quick as lightning.’

Not so cuddly, huh (Picture: Newport Police Department)

Police Lieutenant Greg Rapberger and Sergeant Daron Arnberg were nearby when they responded a to desperate 911 call about a man being crushed to death a 20ft python in a pool of his own blood.

Sergeant Arnberg said: ‘I grabbed the mop and tried to hold the snake’s head down and that didn’t work.

‘The lieutenant stepped aside me and grabbed the snake by the head so we wouldn’t get bit.’

While Mr Wilkens was not breathing when he was released from the snake’s clutches - he started breathing again on the way to hospital where he is recovering and is talking.

Let’s hope his Tuesday morning in hospital was more fun