Snake On The Loose In Hamptons

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — There's a snake on the loose in Hampton Bays.

The Suffolk County SPCA said they received a call to assist in the search for a missing yellow and brown, 9' anaconda at the end of the street off Bay Avenue West in Hampton Bays that escaped from the owner's property.

Detectives from the Suffolk County SPCA, five members of Blue Knights 1, a law enforcement motorcycle club and Southampton Town Police responded to the location in an attempt to locate the snake, the SPCA said.

The green anaconda is a non-venomous snake but it may bite if frightened; it is a constrictor, the SPCA said.

It most likely would move around during dawn or dusk and would seek cool, dark places to hide, especially with the high heat of the day. It also might be more visible in the rain. It might seek refuge under decks, garages or sheds and will most likely curl into a ball. The snake has been missing since early Tuesday morning and, most likely, it would remain in close proximity to where it escaped from, officials said.

Southampton Town Police said the snake escaped from a local reptile breeder; the snake likes water, including marshes, pools and ponds. "If found, do not approach," police said. "Call 911 immediately and keep eyes on the snake until first responders arrived."

Anyone who sees the snake is advised not to attempt to capture it, the SPCA said.

"Use caution leaving your small pets outdoors unattended," the SPCA said.

Anyone with information is asked to immediately call the Suffolk County SPCA at 631 382-7722 or Southampton Town Police at a 631 728-3400; please note the exact location.