‘Giant was an undersell’: Wis. deputies capture escaped pet snake

“Upon arrival, deputies were able to utilize some tools and retrieve the giant nope rope and secure it,” the sheriff’s office said

June 22, 2023 04:16 PM

By Mitchell Willetts
The Charlotte Observer

BARRON, Wis. — Deputies responded to a home in small-town Wisconsin after an exotic snake was found slithering on the roof, photos show.

The Barron County Sheriff’s Office had been warned that the snake was “giant,” but that didn’t fully capture its proportions, the office said in a June 20 news release.

“We think the description of giant was an undersell,” the sheriff’s office said.

https://www.facebook.com/barroncountysheriff/posts/645979164241051?ref=embed_post

After staging an escape from the home, the rotund pet pulled off a feat of athleticism by climbing on top of the house, officials said.

But unfortunately for the snake, deputies had a secret weapon: ladders.

“Upon arrival, deputies were able to utilize some tools and retrieve the giant nope rope and secure it,” the sheriff’s office said.

While officials didn’t identify the species of snake, University of Minnesota professor Kenneth Kozak, an amphibians and reptiles expert, told WCCO that it appears to be an anaconda.

“We won’t judge people’s choice of pets BUT…. we’re pretty sure most people live in NW Wisconsin to avoid these jungle monsters,” the sheriff’s office said. “Great job guys going above and beyond to help keep this non-native Severus Snake from roaming the streets.”

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