Python bites infant in Ill. apartment

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MATTOON, Ill., July 6 (UPI) -- A sleeping infant was bitten by a 2-foot-long python that got into an Illinois apartment and wrapped itself around the baby's foot, police said.

Mattoon Police Department Deputy Chief Jason Taylor said investigators believe the python had escaped from another apartment in the building but have been unable to contact the occupant of that apartment, the Mattoon/Charleston (Ill.) Journal-Gazette & Times-Courier reported.

The baby's father, Devin Winans, told police he was awakened about 11 p.m. Monday when his son made noises and found the snake wrapped around the baby's foot.

Sam Lacey, the boy's mother, said Winans pulled the python off her son's foot while holding a blanket and took the baby to Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon for treatment of a bite mark, a bruise and scratches.

"It was definitely something we never thought of happening. It was definitely really scary," Lacey said.

She said she hadn't seen the python before and pointed out the apartment building is supposed to be pet-free.

Taylor said the snake's owner could be charged with violating a city ordinance against having an animal at large.

The python was taken to the Coles County animal shelter, where manager Julie Deters said it is being kept in an aquarium tank.