A 27-year-old Pennsylvania man has died after the snake he kept as a pet strangled him in his home.
Elliot Senseman was attacked by his 18-foot boa constrictor in his home in Upper Macungie Township on Wednesday.
Police officers called to the scene found the large snake coiled around Senseman's neck and shot the animal to free him from its grasp. Sensemen was rushed to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Cedar Crest, where he died Sunday morning.
The coroner released a statement saying: "A Boa Constrictor type snake approximately 18’ in length constricted around the neck of Mr. Senseman, thus causing the anoxic brain injury (complete lack of oxygen to the brain)."
The boa also died of its injuries.
According to NBC 10 Philadelphia, Senseman kept multiple snakes in different enclosures in his home and was known to rescue abused snakes. His family is currently searching for a new home for the animals.
Rudy Arceo, and expert from the Venom Institute, told NBC 10 Philadelphia that Pennsylvania does not have any laws banning ownership of snakes, but many towns and counties do. He said Elliot's death should be a cautionary tale for others who might want to own snakes. Even people with years of experience handling snakes can have an accident.