A staff member at a Windsor, Ont., sewage plant had an unexpected surprise recently when he found a ball python in a collection bin.
The snake was first spotted on the Little River Pollution Control Plant’s inlet screens almost 25 feet, or 7.6 metres, underground before it made its way into a collection bin and attempted to slither to safety, the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society said in a Facebook post.
The plant worker “was able to safely retrieve the snake and called our Animal Protection Officer Natalie to ensure it got the help it needed,” the Humane Society said.
While this reptile was rescued, the humane society said snakes don’t always survive the experience. It noted staff at the plant have recovered many animals from the screening system in the past.
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But the organization also used its social media post to issue a reminder that exotic pets should “never be released into the environment.”
“If you can no longer care for an animal, please reach out for help finding safe alternatives,” the organization said.
The humane society did not say if it’s been determined where the snake came from or how it made it into the treatment plant.
Ball pythons, according to the Toronto Zoo, are a species of constricting snake native to regions of western and central Africa. They are also known as royal pythons.
The snakes can live for up to 30 years and grow to one to 1.5 metres as adults, with some having reached up to 1.83 metres.
They are very popular in the pet trade, often being sold as “beginner pets” due to their docile temperaments and manageable size.
“We’re grateful this one was found in time — it’s now receiving care from our medical team, who are hopeful it will make a full recovery,” the humane society said.
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