Is That a Python in Your Pants?
A man found himself in legal trouble after attempting to transport three Burmese pythons across the U.S.-Canadian border. Facing probation, he shed light on the underground trade of exotic reptiles. Stay tuned for updates on this unusual case.
By Odd News Show Staff · February 18, 2024
Picture this: A man carrying three Burmese pythons in his pants rode a bus passing through the U.S.-Canadian border.
This week, the snake smuggler was sentenced to a year of probation in federal court in Albany.
The snake-smuggling saga took an unexpected turn when U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers unraveled Calvin’s scaly shenanigans. Cue the dramatic music and snake charmer’s flute.
According to court documents and a statement from the office of U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman, it turns out Calvin, Mr. Python Pants, a resident of Queens, didn’t just have a penchant for slithering sidekicks; he shelled out over $2,500 for these leggy companions at a reptile store in Canada.
Now, we’re not just dealing with any serpents here. No, these are Burmese pythons, regulated by an international treaty and U.S. federal laws that officially label them as “injurious to human beings.” Calvin, unintentional wildlife enthusiast or fashion rebel?
To add to the drama, the Burmese python, a VIP in the snake world as one of the largest species, is causing a stir. It’s a vulnerable species in its native Asia and is strutting its scaly stuff as an invasive troublemaker in Florida, wreaking havoc on the local animal scene.
And in the midst of this snake charade, Bautista’s attorney opted for the silent treatment, leaving us all to wonder, what’s next in the reptilian adventures of Calvin and his slithery squad? Stay tuned for the sequel, folks – “Snakes on a Probation!”
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service also investigated this case.