A live snake was recently found in a container of Christmas trees being unloaded at a Hilo store.

Agriculture inspectors from the Plant Quarantine Branch (PQB) captured the two-foot-long snake which has been identified as a non-venomous gopher snake. No other snakes were found.

The snake is being safeguarded in Hilo and will be transported to Honolulu.

Gopher snakes are found in North America and can grow up to about seven feet. Their diet consists of small rodents, young rabbits, lizards, birds and their eggs. Prey is killed by constriction and suffocation.

Snakes and large reptiles have no natural predators in Hawai‘i. Many species also prey on birds and their eggs, increasing the threat to our endangered native birds. They also compete with native animals for food and habitat. Large snakes may also be a threat to humans and small pets.

Anyone with information about illegal animals should call the statewide toll-free PEST HOTLINE at 808-643-PEST (7378).

 

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture