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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    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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    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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    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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    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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    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 20, 2008 4:23 AM:

    " It's an Amphiuma

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

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

    " looks more like a lamprey eel "

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

    " it is actually a salamander "

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