Police in Delaware County search for owner of lost ball python

RADNOR, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Police in Radnor, Delaware County, are on the lookout for the owner of a lost snake.

"A real snake in the grass," Radnor police wrote in a post on Facebook.

According to the post, officers discovered a three to four-foot-long ball python in the area of Strathmore and Conestoga roads on Tuesday.

"We're excited to see bunnies in the backyard. But when we're not at the zoo, I don't think we want to see a snake in the backyard," noted Erica McGovern from Radnor.

McGovern says her neighbors originally found the snake, which is native to Africa, slithering in the yard near their homes.

"Thank God it was a young officer, not me, who recognized it as some sort of python," said Lieutenant Joe Pinto with Radnor police.

Pinto isn't a fan of snakes but says he is dedicated to finding the lost pet's owner.

Pinto says he has a few ideas as to how the non-venomous snake ended up in someone's yard. Either the snake escaped its cage or someone let it go.

"There's a creek in my backyard, maybe it came up the creek. I have no idea, we don't see a lot of things like that around here," said McGovern.

The python is now at a vet clinic with Dr. Len Donato while investigators continue their search.

Donato said in his time with the lost pet, he may have found a clue: an injury on its tail.

"Which likely means that it escaped from an enclosure that didn't have proper clips on the top," Donato explained.

As the investigation continues, police say they're fielding dozens of calls from those who have lost a pet python.

"It was actually surprising to me how many people were missing their ball pythons and wondering if this was it. So it was very surprising," Pinto said.

Anyone with information on the python is asked to contact Radnor police at 610-688-0503.

Authorities say you can also dial 911 and ask to speak to the on-duty supervisor.