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Strange snake on West Fifth Street

Published/Last Modified on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 4:19 PM CDT

This odd looking snake-like creature, called by a local man a “lampeter,” or something close to that, was found on the road near West Fifth Street right after the storm. The elderly man who identified it, said it is actually not a snake, but an animal that is close to a prehistoric creature, noted by its very small legs near it’s head. (Staff photo by Michael Chiri.)

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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of .

jackie wrote on Sep 9, 2008 7:28 PM:

" it is actually a salamander "

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Jo wrote on Sep 15, 2008 1:25 PM:

" It looks and sounds like a "glass snake" "

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kat wrote on Sep 17, 2008 8:11 AM:

" looks more like a lamprey eel "

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Scott wrote on Sep 20, 2008 4:23 AM:

" It's an Amphiuma

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-toed_Amphiuma "

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creature wrote on Sep 21, 2008 8:52 AM:

" Its only strange to all the newcommers in the parish. Any homegrown cajun could have told you that was a lampeter. It aint no grass snake and it aint no salamander.Its a lampeter. Now lets all say it together " LAMPETER". Welcome to the River Parishes! "

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Scott wrote on Sep 23, 2008 3:44 AM:

" Ditto "creature". These were also in the swamp exhibit at the Audubon Zoo labeled "Ditch Eel".

Ever tried to catch one on a fishing pole? They fight something fierce LOL. "

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Crystal wrote on Oct 4, 2008 9:22 AM:

" Actually it is an Amphiuma which is a genus of aquatic salamanders, the only extant genus within the family Amphiumidae. They are also known as "Congo eels" or "Congo snakes", which are zoologically incorrect designations. "

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Mindy wrote on Nov 8, 2008 9:44 AM:

" Well, being from the state of Maine, I don't have to have been born a cajun, but I certainly think this creature is definitely in the eel family. Not sure what the name of it may be-but its certainly an eel of some sort. "

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Ritch wrote on Nov 12, 2008 9:38 AM:

" Used to see these a lot as small kids walking the streets after the ditches have been dug. "

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