Quote Originally Posted by Cuchulain
I heard a story recently on National radio about a snake that was kept in a house in Ireland. Legion you may be able to validate it's authenticity. The story teller claimed this was 100% true.

A non-venomous snake (I presume a python but am unsure) was kept by a couple for a number of years. The enthusiasts were reasonably well experienced with snakes and were pretty comfortable with this snake.

They had a four/five year old child and he too was very fond of the snake and spent a large amount of time with the snake. The child fell ill and weak and as a result was house and bed bound Having had the snake for even longer than their child the parents were surprised one night to discover the snake had escaped and made foo the child's bed! Upon inspection and unknown to the child the snake had entered it's bed and appeared to be keeping the child warm as it stretched out beside the child. Upon first occurrence the parents were surprised but did not really react. Upon a second occurrence the parents, thinking they had somehow stumbled across a special "caring" reptile consulted a vet/specialist.
They explained their story of and claimed that it was obvious the snake had sensed their child was weak and as they spent so much time together it was trying to protect the child.

The Vet confirmed the snake had indeed sensed the child was very weak, but instead said the behaviour displayed was indicative that the snake was waiting for an opportunity to eat the child!

What is the likelihood of this story being accurate!!!
cc for the story, got a good laugh at the end!