Anaconda Found Hiding in Toilet in Arlington

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County Animal Control made an alarming discovery in a toilet in south Arlington recently: a large yellow anaconda.

The animal control team responded to a call at a local apartment, and Officer Brenys White successfully removed the snake and brought him back to the shelter, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington said on its Facebook page. They had expected a wild snake or ball python, but were surprised to find it was a juvenile yellow anaconda, a species endemic to South America that can grow to be one of the largest snakes in the world.

AWLA was able to track down a specialist familiar with the species to provide it with the care it needs. A yellow anaconda can grow to be up to 13 feet long and weight more than 100 lbs, and therefore needs specialized care and housing. They aren't venomous, but incredibly powerful and kill their victims through constriction.

AWLA didn't indicate exactly where the snake was found, but said it was in the south Arlington area, and there is no reason for residents to be concerned. They think the snake probably escaped from his tank or was abandoned by an owner and started crawling through pipes in search of food.

Image via Animal Welfare League of Arlington's Facebook page