5-Foot Python Found on Hillsborough Street

found a 5-foot ball python, a non-venomous snake that is popular as a pet, at the corner of Williamsburg Drive and Wexford Place on Tuesday afternoon.

Police responded to a 911 call at approximately 12:30 p.m. of a large snake on a sewer grate at the location. Detective Hank Olszyk, who is familiar with snakes, determined the species of the snake and that it was non-venomous.

The 5-foot snake was transported to police headquarters in a paper bag. It was then picked up by local animal control.

Police believe the reptile, which is native to Africa, was likely released by an owner who no longer wanted it, as it is a common pet species.