(Courtesy Visit Savannah)
SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Savannah city leaders are banning the public display of snakes at the upcoming St. Patrick's Day festival.
The Savannah Morning News reports that pythons and other snakes have been part of the festivities in recent years, and the snake handlers are often mobbed by drunken revelers fascinated by the reptiles.
City officials and local reptile hunters say they're concerned about the potential danger.
Thaddaus Depper, a manager at Exotic Underworld pet store, says people under the influence of alcohol and potentially dangerous animals can be a dangerous mix.
Depper says he won't take a python longer than 7 feet unless he has another employee standing by because of the risk of being encircled and crushed.
(Associated Press)