The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has received a phone call from a local

business person that wishes to remain anonymous. The business person has offered to increase the reward by $500 for information leading to the

location of "Banana" and arrest of those involved. The business person

advised that "Banana" is a location attraction to the Fannett area and part

of the "man's livelihood that supports his family". He feels that local

businesses should come together to fight crime.



Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 409-833-TIPS

(8477). You identity will remain confidential and Crime Stoppers will pay up

to $1,000 reward for the location of "Banana"

At 16 feet long and 140 pounds, an albino Burmese python believed to have been stolen a week ago from Gator Country likely can’t stay hidden long.

At least that’s what Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies are hoping.

“We believe that whoever stole the snake has showed it to his friends by now, and someone will call us,” Rod Carroll, spokesperson for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, said Monday in a telephone conversation.

Named “Banana” because of it’s yellow color, the female python was discovered missing from the Beaumont wildlife park by workers. It is believed the snake was taken sometime between April 22 and April 24.

The snake is part of the park’s regular show, appearing last on April 22 before it went missing.

It has also appeared on CMT television’s “Gator 911.”

Carroll described the snake as “docile” because it had been handled by humans for some time.

Banana was obtained four years ago by Gator Country from someone who could no longer care for the python because of its size.

“It is probably the largest Burmese python in Southeast Texas, if not Texas,” Carroll said.

Though the snake is unusually large, Carroll said the department is more concerned for the snake’s safety.

Investigations indicate the python was most likely stolen because a second snake in the reinforced enclosed 12 by 15 foot building is still there.

“We are confident that someone stole the snake. The other snake would have escaped along with it,” Carroll said.

The second snake is smaller, and not an albino.

Banana has bluish clear eyes and is valued at $5,000.

Anyone with information on the python’s whereabouts is urged to call the sheriff’s department, or Crime Stoppers at 409-833-TIPS, or 409-833-8477.

skoonce@panews.com