Snake captured at Kaimuki home

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A slithery visitor was caught in the backyard of a Kaimuki home Sunday night.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture said the homeowner initially thought it was a child’s toy, but when he saw it moving, he called police.

Police arrived at the home and then contacted inspectors from the Plant Quarantine Branch (PQB). A PQB team then used snake tongs to capture a three-and-a-half-foot non-venomous ball python.

While captured, officials said the snake was docile and likely to be an escaped pet. It is being held at PQB.

HDOA reminds the public that snakes are illegal to import and own in Hawaii.

People who have any illegal animals can turn them in under the amnesty program, and will not be subject to criminal or civil penalties if they are turned in before an investigation is initiated.

Animals can be dropped off at any HDOA office, local Humane Society, or at municipal zoos.

Any animal turned in under amnesty will not be euthanized, HDOA said.

Anyone found with illegal animals may be charged with a class C felony, issued fines of up to $200,000, and may be sentenced to up to five years in prison.

Anyone with information on illegal animals should call the state’s toll-free PEST HOTLINE at (808) 643-PEST (7378).

Officials said that snakes have no natural predators in Hawaii and pose a threat to the environment because they compete with native animals for food and habitat.

The ball python can grow up to six feet in length and is common in the pet trade in the continental U.S., officials said.

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