Nearly 4-foot ball python captured in Waiʻanae

The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity captured a ball python. found in Waiʻanae on the leeward coast of Oʻahu, Saturday.

Honolulu Police responded to a snake-sighting report from Camp Waiʻanae and called the Hawaiian Humane Society, which in turn called DAB. Biosecurity officers were dispatched and took possession of the captured, 45-inch-long snake near 85-1508 Haleahi Road. The Plant Quarantine Branch has custody of the non-venomous snake and testing is underway to determine its sex.

Residents are reminded that snakes are illegal in Hawaiʻi. Persons possessing illegal animals are subject to stiff penalties, including fines of up to $200,000 and up to three years in prison.

Individuals who see or know of illegal animals in Hawaiʻi are encouraged to contact the state’s toll-free PEST HOTLINE at 643-PEST (7378) or turn them in under the state’s Amnesty Program.

Snakes have no natural predators in Hawaiʻi and pose a serious threat to Hawai‘i’s environment because they compete with native animal populations for food and habitat. Many species, such as the ball python, prey on birds and bird eggs, increasing the threat to our endangered native bird species. Large snakes may also be a threat to the health and safety of humans, pets and other domestic animals. Ball pythons may grow up to six feet in length and are common in the pet trade on the continent.