Utahn's pet Burmese python dies at age 43

HOLLADAY — Marty Bone will be sleeping alone. His main "Squeezer" died Tuesday.

Age finally caught up with Julius Squeezer, Bone's 43-year-old Burmese python. The 18-foot-long, 220-pound snake was one of the best-known pets in the Salt Lake area, and it may have been the oldest of its kind to live in captivity.

Bone said his python, which despite its name is female, shattered the previous longevity record of 33 years and 3 months for that type of snake. Most Burmese pythons live 20 to 30 years. "That is amazing," said Jane Larson, animal care supervisor in Hogle Zoo's small animal building, which includes snakes of Julius' age. "A good life span would be in the mid-20s."

Now retired, Bone used to make furniture and built a square wooden casket to bury Julius in on some family property.

"Snakes are his life," Bone's mother, Shirley Bone, 79, said. "He's taught many people not to fear them." During her long life, Julius entertained children from Sandy to Spanish Fork, evaded police more than once, and caused an entire Pacific Island to go into a panic. Bone, 53, got Julius in the 1970s from an acquaintance, when the snake was already 8 years old and 5 feet long. It was thought to be a male until it laid eggs.

Julius lived in Bone's house, having total, complete access. Bone lived alone, except for his snakes, which have included Poly Grip, Alexander the Grip, and Annie Green Squeeze. Bone had even hollowed out a part of his couch to accommodate Julius. Bone also raises rabbits on the side. Julius ate about four of them a month.

The fame of Julius gradually spread throughout the neighborhood.

The snake was a special attraction during the grand opening of The Mayan restaurant in Sandy in early 2000, when Bone was asked to bring it there. It was also a big draw when it visited local parks and schools.

Bone said even people living a mile away would request to see Julius.

The python was also a special feature at some haunted houses each Halloween in Utah County and was made an honorary member of the paramedic group in Spanish Fork.

"People got to know snakes" through Julius, Bone said.

"Just about every weekend she was booked up," Bone said of her public appearances, which were always free.