An investigation into exotic snakes that have gotten loose from their owner in the Stockbridge at Tanglewood subdivision now involves a state wildlife agency.
Pasquotank Sheriff’s Office Major Aaron Wallio said Wednesday afternoon that the sheriff’s office is partnering with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission on the case. A sheriff’s investigator has been assigned to work with a Wildlife officer, he said.
Wallio said two snakes so far have been captured.
“We have spoken to the person who was left with the snakes and are continuing with some follow-up interviews to get a detailed report of the current condition, location and quantity of any snakes involved in this incident,” the major said.
According to a Pasquotank Sheriff's news release issued Thursday afternoon, domesticated nonnative pythons have been found and seized in the Stockbridge neighborhood.
"The snakes that have been located are nonvenomous and are believed to be someone’s pets," the release states.
Pasquotank's Animal Control Division, sheriff's investigators and state Wildlife officers are investigating "where the snakes came from and whether the release was accidental or intentionally," the release states. The release refers to N.C. General Statute 14-422 (c), which states, "Any person intentionally releasing into the wild a nonnative venomous reptile, a large constricting snake, or a crocodilian shall be guilty of a Class A1 misdemeanor."
"Please notify the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office if you locate a snake as these snakes will not survive in the wild," the release states. "We are currently working with partners who are willing to rehome the pet snakes."
The news release asks anyone with information regarding this investigation or the location of a snake that was found in the area to contact the sheriff’s office at (252) 338-2191.
Wallio said on Sunday that earlier that day an animal control officer went to a home in the 3400 block of Copper Creek Lane where the reptiles are believed to be housed. No one came to the door so the officer left a note with instructions to contact the sheriff’s office immediately, Wallio said.
Because animal control was unable to get inside the home it was not known how many reptiles are inside the residence and how many are missing, Wallio said. He confirmed Sunday that at least one snake was discovered outside the home.
According to Wallio, the owner of the animals is in the military and has been transferred to Connecticut. The animals reportedly were left in the care of a friend, he said.
In the last few weeks residents have commented on Facebook about an exotic snake being discovered in the Stockbridge neighborhood. One comment posted at the Elizabeth City Chicks and Chickadees Group page mentioned a snake that had been found outside the owner’s home.
“The owner of the snake has been found and spoken to,” the post states. “After conversating with the owner it has come to our knowledge that there may be more out in Stockbridge wandering around.”
The post goes on to say the owner had to move and he thought they would be “okay with the person they were with.”
“They were not released but some may have escaped,” the comment continues. The post also urges residents to not harm any animals they may find.
In another post, a commenter seeks the same answers as the sheriff’s office.
“So, my question is, how do they not know how many are missing? Do they not know how many were in the house?” the woman asks. “What size are these snakes? Were they breeding them?
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