GUADALUPE CO., Texas – A Seguin woman will be fine after a 14-foot boa constrictor attacked her Tuesday.
Debi Grudzinski works as a wildlife rehabilitator, and has years of experience working with snakes and other animals.
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Grudzinski said she was attacked by one of the snakes she cares for, as she reached into its tank to give it some water.
Grudzinski, who named the snake Icenia, said she has cared for it for eight years.
"Without any notice she clamped on to my hand," Grudzinski said. "When she did that, she just wrapped all the way up, and around. She probably had about 7-foot of her on me."
Beginning to feel weak and faint, Grudzinski's daughter stepped in and called 911. Within minutes, emergency crews arrived, and attempted to severe the snake's head.
It was enough to free Grudzinski, but not quite enough to kill Icenia. She said it will be reconstructed and sent to a vet college for research, then placed in an animal sanctuary.
"I'm happy Icenia is going to live," said Grudzinski. "I know it's the nature of her beast. It wasn't something I did, it wasn't something she did. It was something instinctual."
Grudzinski has worked with all different types of snakes, but after Tuesday's attack, said that will change.
"My family is everything; these snakes are going. No more, no more," Grudzinski said. "Why are you trusting an animal that is cold-blooded to have any feelings towards you. They don't feel love."