8-foot pet snake strangled owner to death, says medical examiner

A 31-year-old British man suffocated to death after his 8-foot pet python wrapped itself around him, a medical examiner recently ruled, according to The Guardian.

Dan Brandon was found dead in his bedroom in August with his African rock python, Tiny, close by.

Brandon's mother told court officials the snake had an aggressive history, but the medical examiner said he did not believe the snake attacked its owner, rather "the reptile had been coiling around him in an affectionate way," The Guardian reports.

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A reptile expert who inspected the python's shed skin said he found no visible scratches, possibly indicating that Brandon did not attempt to forcibly remove the snake, according to Sky.com.

Rock pythons are the largest species of snake in Africa and kill their prey by squeezing them and depriving them of air. They can grow between 20 to 30 feet long and weigh up to 250 pounds.

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Fernando Ramirez is a reporter for Chron.com and the Houston Chronicle. You can read more of his stories here and follow him on Twitter at @fernramirez93.