PALM CITY, Fla. (CBS12) — A resident of the Stuart West community got more than they bargained for when they popped the hood of their vehicle and discovered a ball python curled around the engine.

The Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) said on Wednesday that Animal Control Officer Mollie Cameron responded to the scene and safely removed the non-venomous snake. The python was then transported to a local wildlife hospital for care and observation.

Ball pythons, native to sub-Saharan Africa, are a popular pet species but are considered non-native in Florida. MCSO reminds the public that releasing exotic animals into the wild can have serious consequences for native wildlife and the local ecosystem.

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The sheriff’s office is asking anyone in the area who is missing a ball python, or has information about how it may have ended up in the vehicle to call 772-220-7000.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the potential ecological risks posed by non-native species.

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