nagels's Full Review: Safari Incredible Creatures Chain Kingsnake
Shy, diurnal, and ready to eat anything of appropriate size that it can catch, the chain kingsnake ranges from southern New Jersey to central Florida and west to the Appalachians. Adult chain kingsnakes can grow to be 36 to 45 inches in length. They have numerous cross bars along their backs that are joined by lighter lateral markings giving them the distinctive chain markings. The kingsnake will attempt to bite a human when startled but will quickly adjust to human handling and adopt a docile behavior. Of most interest to me is that even with their small mouths the kingsnake likes to hunt rodents.
With that in mind I purchased a toy chain kingsnake made by Safari Ltd. Whatever possessed this macho he-man and Mr. Potato Head aficionado to stoop to buy such a toy. I was driven to desperate measures by the horde of tree rats living on Spud Acres, rats that taunt family and dogs with their mocking chatter, rats that crawl into our cars causing many hundreds of dollars worth of damage. These insidious tree rats, commonly known as squirrels have a recently acquired taste for Pontiac plastic. After the last episode and eight hundred dollar repair bill, I declared war on the squirrels. Underneath their targeted car are several handfuls of mothballs. Inside the engine compartment on all the reachable rubber and plastic components are generous squirts of Ropel. And now, under the victimized car, is my new, pretend, plastic snake. Safari Ltd.
With an infusion of new leadership in 2004 Safari prides itself on being a preeminent manufacturer of animal replicas said to be of museum quality. Safari has invested over a million dollars in molds and has introduced 600 new models. Artists carefully sculpt the replicas after doing intensive research to ensure accuracy. Education is an important focus of the company as is safety. Products are regularly spot tested for lead content in the paint and the replicas contain no phthalates. Since Safari products are sold in Europe they must also pass the more stringent European safety standards. The Chain Kingsnake Replica
The manufacturer describes this snake as being soft and true to life. Weighing in at 6.7 ounces on the Spudman Industries scale, the coiled snake when stretched out full length is said to measure 36 inches. Our technician measured our snake at 34 inches in length but admittedly had a difficult time uncoiling the snake and measuring it simultaneously. The product is described as being hand painted and “accurate down to the last detail.” An attached label on the kingsnake is printed in five languages and includes background information about the kingsnake, a small photograph, and even a quote by Albert Einstein. The suggested age for this snake is 3+. Close Up Experience With My Chain Kingsnake Replica
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I opened the box from Amazon and pulled out the toy snake from the bottom of the oversized box. It appears to have the feel and appearance of a real snake with reasonable texture, color, and weight. My first impression was that this pretend snake was too shiny until I read up on the reptile and find that they do have a shiny appearance. Up close and in one’s hands it’s obvious that this toy is painted, but from a distance of a few feet and further, the authenticity and believability of the Safari creation increases.
This replica appears to be permanently coiled in position and no amount of stretching by our technician could alter this condition innate in its construction. Mrs. Spudman who is normally terrified of snakes wasn’t afraid to handle this harmless snake, but Evie and Piper eyed it with suspicion. When I put the “snake” on the floor, they eyed it suspiciously, approached it gingerly, and gave it quick exploratory sniffs. Both dogs backed away when I moved the snake close to them. Piper barked at it. I had hoped for such a reaction.
Our new snake now lives under the Pontiac, nestled on a pile of mothballs and waiting for squirrel. It’s only been a few weeks, but so far there’s been no new damage from the squirrels. Is the snake dissuading the tree rats or is it the mothballs or the Ropel? I don’t know and I really don’t care as long as those nuisances stay away.
Others have purchased this item for the same intended purpose as I, to keep the squirrels at bay. The majority of buyers claim to have achieved success with it. I’ll update this review as needed.
Addendumb
1.While returning to the Amazon site today, I noticed they’ve reduced the price of the chain kingsnake replica by seventy-five cents since I bought it. No surprise there.
2. Last week Mrs. Spudman with great animation called me and said that a squirrel had crawled into the engine compartment of my car. Stealthily tiptoeing out the front door to the Subaru, I had a big surprise in store for that invasive squirrel. When I reached my car with great care, I banged on the hood loudly and rapidly, proud of my plan to startle the stupid and unwary squirrel. I didn’t see a squirrel running away, but I did hear the blaring car alarm set off by my actions. So much for my clever plan.
3. The squirrel or squirrels continue to eat our car despite the silent snake resting beneath it.
This toy was made in CHINA.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 10 Type of Toy: Science and Nature
Age Range of Child: Whole Family
Excellent learning tool to introduce young children to our delicate and often endangered inhabitants of our planet Each replica is finely hand painted...More at Amazon
extra large soft playful true-to-life vinyl replicas of some of the most amazing creatures in the world. excellent learning tool to introduce young ch...More at UnbeatableSale, Inc.
Excellent learning tool to introduce young children to our delicate and often endangered inhabitants of our planet Each replica is finely hand painted...More at Amazon Marketplace
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