Amanda Ruth Black was discovered dead on Tuesday night, beside an empty snake tank.
Black, from Virginia US, was the owner of a 13 foot long reticulated python which she was attempting to administer medication to. Her body was discovered by her husband, lying in front of the empty snake vivarium, the snake was loose in the same room and was reported to be severely agitated. It took two animal control specialists to capture the reptile and secure it.
A preliminary medical examiners report says that 25 year old Amanda Ruth Black died from suffocation due to neck compression.
The snake is being held at an animal welfare institution while police continue their investigation.
The reticulated python is the longest snake in the world, and can grow up to 32 feet long.
