A live snake was recently captured near the Pukalani Golf Club on Maui. A resident called the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and reported that he saw children playing with a snake on Monday, May 15. Agricultural inspectors from the Maui Plant Quarantine Branch were immediately dispatched and found the snake had been contained in a plastic garbage bin. It measured 3½ feet long and has been tentatively identified as a non-venomous female gopher snake.

Officers from the Maui Police Department were also on the scene and assisted inspectors in securing the snake, which was transported to the Plant Quarantine Office and was humanely euthanized.

Snakes and large reptiles have no natural predators in Hawai`i and pose a serious threat to the state’s unique ecosystem as they compete with native animal populations for food and habitat. Many species also prey on birds and their eggs, increasing the threat to our endangered native birds. Large snakes may also be a threat to humans and small pets.

If a snake is spotted individuals should treat it as if it is venomous. It is best to maintain visual contact at a safe distance and when possible, safely cover or contain the snake.  Immediately report it to the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at (808) 643-PEST (7378).