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A 36-year-old woman has been found dead in a house with an 8ft python wrapped around her neck.
Local newspaper, Journal & Courier reports that the deceased, Laura Hurst, from Indiana, USA, may have been strangled by the snake.
Reports said the house in which the woman died was used to keep snakes and that there were 140 snakes inside the house at the time of Ms Hurst’s death. It was gathered that 20 of the reptiles belonged to her.
Property records reportedly seen by Journal & Courier showed Benton County Sheriff Don Munson, who lives next door, owns the house. He was said to have had the facility renovated to accommodate a collection of snakes and the reptiles who were caged or secured inside the building.
According to Evening Standard, Munson found Hurst’s body on the floor with a reticulated python wrapped loosely around her neck and called paramedics but they were unable to revive her.
Ms Hurst visited the home twice a week to visit her pets, Indiana State Police Sgt Kim Riley was quoted as saying. He added that an autopsy has been scheduled to determine the real cause of death