WESTBROOK, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Westbrook officials say the snakeskin found at Riverbank Park has been identified.
Officials say John S. Placyk, Jr., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Biology University of Texas at Tyler, identified the skin as coming from an Anaconda.
Westbrook officials are not sure if the skin was planted as a hoax or actually shed by a live snake.
The press release said, 'After consulting Dr. Placyk and other experts in the field we offer the following facts and safety tips:
• Anacondas are not a native species to Maine. An anaconda cannot survive the Maine winter.
• Anacondas are likely to be in or around water.
• Flight is an Anaconda’s primary defense against people. The will try and get away, usually via a body of water.
• Anacondas are not venomous. They do bite. A bite from an anaconda will be painful but not fatal, and is treatable with antibiotics.
• Our experts estimate the snake that the skin came from to be around 8-9 feet long. An anaconda of that size is a juvenile snake and is not a threat to humans. It would, however, be a threat to small pets such as a cat or small dog.
• Continue to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Don’t approach any snake or try to capture it. If you see a large snake, call 911 and direct officers to the area where you saw it.'
Police officials said they would continue to work with experts and attempt to capture and euthanize the snake.
Police ask any questions be directed to Captain Sean Lally at slally@westbrook.me.us or 854-0644 Ext. 2406.
