Snakes 'Posing Threat To Human' Captured In North Carolina Marine Base

Two exotic snakes were captured after they were found roaming in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Camp Lejeune is a Marine Corps base in North Carolina.

In a Facebook post Sunday, Camp Lejeune said, “Base Land and Wildlife Resources staff have responded to reports of non-native snakes on Camp Lejeune. The first was a ball python found in a barracks and the second was a red tailed boa in a parking lot.”

“Neither of these snakes are native to the United States and can pose various threats to the environment and human safety,” the post added.

The officials also feel that the reptile could have been pets, something that “is not permitted.”

“Individuals living within base housing areas are permitted to have select domestic animals only. Domestic animals do not include wild, exotic animals such as venomous, constrictor-type snakes or other reptiles, raccoons, skunks, ferrets, iguanas, or other 'domesticated' wild animals. No privately-owned animals are allowed in work areas, barracks, or bachelor officer or enlisted quarters,” Camp Lejeune said in a statement.

The statement further explained that exotic animals could “negatively affect” native species by saying, “Many of the plants and animals on base have evolved and adapted to coexist successfully, but are not equipped to handle a new, exotic species in their habitat. An exotic species may prey on native species, have no predators, out compete native species for food or other resources, introduce diseases, or interrupt a native species’ life cycle in some way.”

Meanwhile, both the snakes were captured by the Conservation Law Enforcement and “transferred to appropriate individuals to receive proper care.” While the red-tailed boa can grow up to 12 feet, ball pythons grow up to five feet in length.