Source Real New Antigua- The Pattersons, Liberta, farmer who suspected that his livestock was being
killed and eaten by a snake has again found evidence to substantiate his claims.
On February 18, the farmer had complained about what he believed to be a snake devouring his pigs. At first, the man had been losing small pigs; and then the losses got worse, as bigger ones were being taken every three weeks.
He had reported these incidents to the relevant authorities, who allegedly had brushed him off, believing that the farmer probably had an overactive imagination. CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
Later, however, he found what he believed to be the tail end of a reptile in another area of his farm, and he concluded that his dogs had bitten the predatory creature.
At the time, REAL News correspondent George Wehner was contacted to do an expose on the matter. Then, on Labour Day, May 6, he was called again – but this time by the farmer’s daughter.
In this instance, the Pattersons farmer had found the remains of a baby snake – said to be a boa constrictor, about four and half feet in length – that his dogs reportedly had killed, Wehner says.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
Based on his research, Wehner adds, the mother snake could have given birth to upward of 10 babies in one session, and this, he says, is alarming.
He is concerned that the Pattersons area, leading into Falmouth, could be crawling with boa constrictors, which would be a dangerous situation.
In the meantime, Wehner notes that the relevant authorities have not made any appeal to the public or said anything about the situation to the various news outlets.
In fact, the REAL News correspondent recalls that his earlier report – although widely circulated – was met with scorn by the naysayers and even by a government senator. CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
But now, Wehner says, the evidence is there, and not a drum has been heard from Minister of Agriculture E.P. Chet Greene, who is also the parliamentary
representative for that area.
Additionally, he says nothing has been said by officials from the Ministry of the Environment or the Forestry Division – which is of particular concern to him, since these reptiles are an invasive species that is not native to Antigua
and Barbuda.
Accordingly, Wehner is calling on the relevant authorities to address this issue speedily and undertake a sweep of the area in order to arrest any danger that might be looming.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
Absolutely! I told everybody that cared to pay attention, that Mr George Wehner is the best investigative journalist in Antigua, if not the Caribbean region.
ABS’ Paul Benfoot or Burford should make note of what great journalism is all about.
He should follow Ms Nikki Phoenix and Mr Wehner’s lead. Both outstanding!
Sweep the area danger might be looming…. Problem if they start grab people instead of PIG.
Was not another snake was found in the area some months ago and a video of it being caught circulated. Tha same snake could have laid eggs and those babies have since hatched and began roaming and now feeding on available food source (livestock). It is just a matter of time before a human interaction is done. Then what. Authorities please look at this as a very serious issue that needs immediate attention. Before a child or someone gets attacked.
The authorities have not said anything because they need instructions from cabinet not to speak, the cabinet probably tell them to be silent on the matter don’t want to alarm anyone, we are a tourism country and this news cannot get out to hurt our industry.