Pile Python (Python cumulatus), Aberdeen, WA - Abstract Public Sculptures on Waymarking.com

Some years back (around 1998), the City of Aberdeen was graced with about 12 decorated utility boxes, where an artist painted the utility box and also added a steel bird cage with a replica of an imaginery "Rare & Endangered Species of Grays Harbor". They were the focus of a great (but now archived) geocache called Art of Aberdeen: "Imaginary Menagerie", GCRCGA (check out the photo gallery of that cache!)

Many of the original menagerie have been removed, and some are looking their age, there are still a few specimens that can be seen. This one is at the corner of Hwy 12 and South H Street. Hundreds of motorists pass it each day.

The plaque reads:
"Rare & Endangered Species of Grays Harbor
Python cumulatus

The Python cumalatus, commonly known as the Pile Python, is a rare and endangered species found only n Grays Harbor. Pile Pythons are water snakes having a life expectancy of 80 years; the males have been known to reach lenghts of 30 feet. While there have been no documented cases of any resident of Grays Harbor being attacked by a python, an unusual number of missing-person reports has always cast suspicion on the python. The pile python got its name because it would anchor its tail in the mud, coil up its body, and stick its head straight up ot of the water, resembling one of the many wooden piles seen driven in the mud along the river banks. Durikng the height of the logging boom, there were scores of logging operations along the river. All the logs and ships moving back and forth on the river took a toll on the pythons; many were just smashed between the floating logs. The few pile pythons that still exist can easily bee seen if you go down to the river on a moonlit night and scan the piles, watching for movement. The python is seen as a beneficial creature because it promotes the restoration of salmon by keeping the harbor seal population in check."

Address:
Corner of Hwy 12 and South H Street.
Aberdeen, Washington

Links:
About the endangered critters (visit link)
Walking Tour Brochure: (visit link)

List of the Rare & Endangered Species:
Humptulips Hornbee, Sand Squatter, Chinhook Salmon, Pile Python, Bald Beagle, Barkbeetle Beggar, Grizzly Hare, Bull Snout, Aberbeanie, Hoquiam Honker, Spotted Howl, Mud Puffer, Wishkah Winker.

Title: Pile Python (Python cumulatus) Artist: unknown Media (materials) used: Concrete or fiberglass or both Location (specific park, transit center, library, etc.): Corner of Hwy 12 and South H Street Date of creation or placement: 1998

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log   08/11/2021 ScoutManitou visited it 09/02/2013 ornith visited it 08/16/2013 Queens Blessing visited it

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