KEY POINTS

  • A hunter found a 4-foot python in one of the forested areas on the island
  • State officials were baffled as to how the reptile found its way to the island
  • Owning or possessing snakes is a Class C felony in Hawaii

During a trip to one of the many forested areas on the islands, a hunter saw a python and decided to capture it alive. Measuring to about four feet long, the snake became a source of an enigma to the state’s wildlife officials as the area has long been known to be a place where there are no native snakes.

An Illegal Reptile

A law has been in effect in the state of Hawaii, which expressly prohibits having snakes as pets in the islands. According to reports, those who are caught face a fine of $200,000 plus three years of jail time. This did not stop smugglers, however, from bringing these reptiles hidden in luggage to the islands to entice islanders who have never seen a real snake.

python discovered in hawaii baffles officials as to its origin
python discovered in hawaii baffles officials as to its origin 272447 - Pixabay

The main problem of Hawaiian wildlife officials is that there are no natural predators on the islands and the presence of snakes pose a severe threat to the state’s ecology. This is because the reptiles can compete with native animal populations not only in terms of habitat but also food. Aside from this, there are already various animal species that prey on various birds and their eggs, thereby heightening the threat to endangered native birds.

Turned Over To Authorities

The hunter turned over the python to the state’s wildlife authorities last week after its capture near the Kahaluu, O’ahu area, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture revealed. According to the hunter, he did not expect to find the python in the area.

The DOA said pythons may grow up to six feet in length and have been known to be native to West-Central and Western Africa. State officials said they are the most-commonly traded reptiles in the pet black market. While ball pythons are not considered venomous, they can kill their prey by wrapping themselves around an animal until it suffocates.

A Threat To Others

Aside from posing a threat to Hawaii’s various endangered bird species, these snakes also pose a threat to pets, humans, and other domestic animals. Importing or possessing pythons and other kinds of snakes is labeled as a Class C felony and comes with serious consequences. At the moment, the python is housed at the DOA’s Plant Quarantine Branch.

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