Mysterious Release of Snakes in Halland: Expert Suspects Single Culprit

Several escaped snakes have puzzled Halland over the summer. Reptile expert Stefan Sandinge believes the same person released them.

– I don't think three people simultaneously run into the woods and release a snake each, he says.

In May, an overrun African royal python was found in Varberg, Halland.

Two months later, another snake of the same species was found alive in the same municipality.

A few weeks later, yet another was discovered. And on Tuesday, a fourth in the neighboring municipality of Falkenberg.

The mystery of the snakes baffles the residents of Halland.

Stefan Sandinge, who runs the pet store Tropiska Rum Zoologiska in Genevad, Halland, has taken care of all three living snakes. The latest arrived at his terrarium on Wednesday night.

He believes the three living ones were released simultaneously, as first reported by P4 Halland.

– There are several months between the first and these other three, so I think they are different. But these three, considering the area and time period, I believe were released simultaneously. But it's speculation, of course, he says.

Possible Reasons for Release

There are several possible reasons why someone would want to release a bunch of snakes, but none are certain, says Stefan Sandinge.

It could be someone with snakes who met a partner who doesn't appreciate the pets – or a landlord who discovered someone keeping snakes, he says.

– But it could also be someone who has gone through a serious life change.

Fed with Large Rats

The snake found in July has already found a new home, and the second snake is also awaiting relocation. All three snakes are doing well under the circumstances.

Royal pythons can survive up to six months without food, but under Sandinge's care, there is no shortage of food once the snakes have adapted to the new environment.

– They eat rats weighing between 90 and 150 grams, so relatively large rats.